Ruling Out After Clean EMG Results

[RockSolidGuy89]

ok we have people here who have stressed for many years or had multiple EMGs - why?If one has had twitching symtoms anda) got a clean EMG andb) if time passes with no loss of strengththen surely they can rule it out, even if they continue to twitch and get numbness/pains etcso why do all these educated well-read people including doctors continue to worry after getting a clean EMG and after suffering no loss of strength after a year or more has passedAre there cases when people have had a clean EMG after initial twitching symtoms and then it morphed into something bad?Are there cases when people have been twitching for a few years with no muscle weakness and suddenly it morphs into something bad?If the answer is no to the above 2 questions then surely we can rule it outIf the answer is yes to the above 2 questions but only in very very rare strange cases for a disease that is already very rare then it would be a one in a million chance we are worrying about and we may as well worry about being hit by lightningIs this analysis correct?

 

[ShannyB63]

Hi guy, the reason that many of us keep seeking multiple EMG's and multiple neuro appointments in my opinion is that many people with bfs also suffer from health anxiety......health anxiety is a form of OCD the doubting disease...we doubt what the neuros tell us we doubt our clean EMG's....until we get the health anxiety and anxiety in general under control we will continue to doubt what our very intelligent and knowledgeable drs tell us.... )

 

[Gloria123]

Great answer Shanny. That's it exactly. Some people are still worried about the one in a million chance.Secondly, some neuros due to some studies of very rare cases where people have gone on to acquire &LS, think they should have yearly follow-ups. I have no clue why. Wouldn't they just say "hey, if you start experiencing weakness for any reason - come see me".Mitra

 

[GHayes420]

Shanny hit the nail on the head with her analysis. Petrified guy, the answer to your two last questions are yes and yes. I think that is why it is harder for people who are educated in medicine and have access to medical publications, to truly live comfortably with this. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing, a lot of knowledge can send you into a tailspin that is hard to recover from. However, your comment, "If the answer is yes to the above 2 questions but only in very very rare strange cases for a disease that is already very rare then it would be a one in a million chance we are worrying about and we may as well worry about being hit by lightning" Is EXACTLY spot on. My neuro (12 year Director of ALS Clinic at UCSF) did ask that I follow up with her in one year. She feels this is standard practice in her experience with BFS cases. However her words were EXACTLY your words. "You have a better chance of getting hit by a bus or lightning, than seeing an EMG change one year later."And Mitra, you are correct, on top of the request from her to repeat the EMG in one year, of course she did say, "If you experience any weakness or strange symptom for any reason, call me immediately." and then gave me her cell number and email. Having said the above facts, I do not plan on going back for a repeat EMG in one year. I do plan on getting another very thorough clinical from her at that time. I think that should put my fears to rest permanently (crossing my fingers).BFS is a bi-t-c-h but you cannot live your life in fear. Go live and enjoy your time with your loved ones!!

 

[Whatworry]

I agree with the posts above.For those who suspect an OCD form of health anxiety is making having twitches worse, one theory about OCD is that it is a soothing mechanism gone wrong. "Just making sure" is often the phrase that justifies the repeatd compulsion. But the reward for just making sure diminishes and the self perpetuated anxiety inreaes, but the need to "just make sure" only becomes more intense.There are many angles you can attak that "just making sure" to break the cycle.

 

[BlueMan]

I had one EMG in 2010, and my current neurologist sees no reason for another. Even though I have new symptoms and my existing symptoms are worsening, and I have significant findings on spine MRIs and blood work, no EMG. According to my current neuro, an EMG is a very useful diagnostic tool in specific situations, and otherwise pointless. Most of us aren't in one of those specific situations, so no need for an EMG, or a repeat after one clean one.