EMG Testing and Bulbar Onset?

[onedayhighclass]

hi guys, i just had a quick question in reguards to emg testing... i had mine done less than a month ago on both legs, left arm, lower back and behind my neck(paraspinal?)... all were clean. my question is if a clean emg in these areas would also rule out any bulbar onset of *** or any other diseases.
im asking this because for the past couple of weeks i've been experiencing strange twitches, cramps, and all around strange feelings on my tongue...sometimes it feels stiff or lazy (if that at all makes any sense). i also feel as though its difficult to speak at times. ever since i became aware of all these sensations, i also noticed what looks like a groove on my tongue( but then again i never really stuck out my tongue and stared at it 24/7 till recently)
so anywho, just wanted to know if a clean emg and mri would rule out all things nasty and i could just chalk it up to good ol' bfs with a side of anxiety.

thanks in advance and take care!

 

[ZekesTraveller]

Yes a clean EMG would eliminate ALS as a diagnosis. I have always dealt with the issues you describe exactly. Look at Neurontin with your neuro since you seem to be a BCFSer like me. I know the tongue issues very very well!

 

[onedayhighclass]

thanks so much for that quick reply and the reassurance! these past couple of months have been such a strain on me... always worrying and wondering if these were ominous symptoms and whatnot...

i guess the real trick now is to get out of this mindset and move on, eh?

thanks again and take care

 

[beensuggested]

Ok, I am going to repeat this on this thread, not only for you kiddo, but for anyone else worrying over this. And yes, I did promise to write a sticky on EMG and I promise that I am getting to that as well.

A clean EMG means that there are no neuropathies peripheral (like carpal tunnel etc) OR centrally located like ALS. When we are looking for a peripheral neuropathy we must "stick" the muscles on that side. When we are ruling out a centrally located neuropathy, we can "stick" anywhere and get a reading. ALS is a disorder of the anterior motor unit in the CNS. So a clean EMG is a clean EMG - no worries! That means you don't have to worry about getting stuck where you twitch or on the side that you twitch or in the tongue or any bulbar areas because it will show up as an issue and then the neuro will refine the test. So one mo' time and everyone together - a clean EMG means no neuropathy and that means no ALS
Kit

 

[hCapitalize]

A clean EMG does not mean that you do not have some kind of neuropathy.

My EMG was clean but my NCV was very far from it. I have evidence of continuing carpal tunnel entrapment (despite an operation that was supposed to resolve it) and continuing slowness of nerve conduction for the Ulnar nerve.

It is important not to get the two confused.

 

[onedayhighclass]

kit: i second jman

i also had a ncv done the same day (just on the limbs) and apparently that was normal as well... would that mean i'm in the clear as well as far as my tongue goes?

 

[onedayhighclass]

kit: i second jman

i also had a ncv done the same day (just on the limbs) and apparently that was normal as well... would that mean i'm in the clear as well as far as my tongue goes?

 

[SharonSmoove]

Hi

My investigations have sought me to learn that the paraspinal muscles are tested via EMG for bulbar ALS which would elmininate it for you seeing as yours was clear.
Yes PlayfulPants I agree the NCV is a completely different test, I have also had one thats not quite perfect although my EMG was fine. I have been told my NCV showed slight neuropathy.

Regards
Sharon