Had EMG testing

Brain and nerves
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Hello  My husband had an EMG test done today for "possibly MND" as per Neurologist 2 weeks ago. We are petrified as to the outcome. The letter re this appontment stated that the test would take around an hour - it was over within 15 mins and now wondering whether 1. He didn't find anything or  2. He saw enough to confirm it .  Has anyone else had a 

"short" test ?

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Hi. Janet

I had my 3rd Nerve Conduction Test done on Wednesday and my first EMG

test. The EMG part did take about 15mins. It was done by a consultant

and he said the results would back with my Movement Specialist in

5 days. I totally understand your worry, I've been waiting for almost 3 years

for a full diagnosis . If there's any other questions you have feel free to

private message me.Mandy

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I have been worrying about same thing but now believe my symptoms may be due to serotonin syndrome! I have been diagnosed with Meniere's, possible RA and now awaiting neuro appt, but all my neuro tests were abnormal, clonus, brisk reflexes and Hoffman's. I hope your husband is ok x

4

I had the EMG/NCT about a month ago.  While I didn't time it, I was amazed at how quickly it was done.  Mine was done by a Neurologist that has expertise in this area.  My legs and one arm were done, but as I recall, certain tests were not done equally on all limbs.  After the test, I was told it was ok.   I didn't have to wait 5 days to know.  I did, however, have a follow up appointment a week afterward.  At the time, I asked about why some people found the test so painful and it a absolutely nothing for me.  I asked if he did something different for me, like make it easier.  He said no.  At this point, I have no idea what to think.  

5

Mine took about hour. The test doesn't prove anything except they didn't pick it up right now. What were your husbands symptoms? I had all ove twitching in my muscles. That were not visible. Been 7 weeks but now. Test was normal but read many studies that say early in disease emg may not pick it up if symptoms persist. So let me know why you suspect it?

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We were told on 10th Feb (after bringing appointment forward 2 weeks) the devasting news that my husband does in fact have MND sad and he's going downhill pretty quickly.

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Angel, what are your sources that confirm "the test doesn't prove anything" or "early in disease emg may not pick ut up"?   If both those are true, then why would a doctor order one or anyone bother to get one?

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I'm sorry for your news, Janet.  I was replying to angel at the same time you were posting.   So then, in your husband's case, a short emg did provide a diagnosis.

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I read on national institutes of health. There are so many studies. You can go in early after initial twitching and the test be normal go back theee to six months later and be abnormal. The needle doesn't always have to be near a fasciculations or potential to show up. I had one done three weeks after initial symptoms of twitching all over it is normal. Symptoms haven't went away. My left ankle is now hurting which may lead to drop foot. See at the beginning a single fiber starts the twitching but as the disease develops more and more fibers are needed to recruit he muscle actions by that time it covers more space and an emg will definitely pick it up but it early on. Just google emg nih or als fasciculations als nih. It will pull up lots of articles. I am scared out of my mind because twitching is abnormal and not may things can cause it in reality. Best of luck.

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I am so sorry Janet. What lead you to believe something was wrong?

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What were your results?

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What lead you to get tested Mandy?

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Negative, but this was given to me verbally by Neurologist.  I did not have 'twitching' nor signs of ALS/MND.  My signs were more of MS, but Neuros usually start with EMG to rule out things.   From private messaging with others on the patient forums, I sense that doctors here in USA do things a little differently than in UK where many posters seem to be from.   How do you all do on the basic neuro exams?  I would think that would show up some negative things with people even early on in a disease.  For example, Janet, could you spouse walk on his heels and toes?

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I passed all the neuros but have to keep returning every three to six months because there is still possibility to develop regardless of emg findings

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So sorry Janet xx

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Thanks Marilee - its so so hard to deal with . First symptom we noticed last Sept was speech beginning to go - our GP ordered MRI brain scan (thinking sroke) - all clear. He was then taken cold turkey off of Venlaflaxine (had obv been misdiagnozed with depression / anxiety)  Put on Lyrica and walking became a big issue. Had to go private as NHS waiting list was 16+ weeks !  Now no speech at all, walking badly with a frame, swallowing issues - we as a family are all devastated sad 

 

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Thanks Sandy

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I am so sorry. I am sure you are devastated. I can't tell you how sorry I am to read this and know that it is such a terrible experience. I am just so sorry.

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Thanks Angel   Praying that you and your family don't have to go through this awful disease - husband is completely in denial and doesn't want to know anything which is obviously understandable 

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I understand. As I am going through it. I cry a lot and keep searching for it to be something else. I look at children and husband and just stray crying. Part of me thinks I have it and the part that hopes I don't are fighting everyday.

I am so sorry. My heart hurts for you and I wish I could take it all away for you and your family.