EMG & Nerve Conduction Tests?

Hi everyone!

I'm currently undiagnosed.. My doctors have said a wide range of things from autoimmune, pinched nerves, lyme disease, fibro, etc. So I'm just going through lots of different testing. I've had a lot of blood work, haven't gotten the results on everything yet.

My question is, to any of you that had an EMG & nerve conduction studies, what were your results? Mine came back perfect, showing no damage or any issues. That has me confused.. for fibro, would the test have normal or abnormal results?

Thanks!

The EMG (electromyography) Study tests for abnormalities in the muscle or the nerve going to the muscle. The Nerve Conduction Study tests how signals travel along the nerve, helping to isolate the cause of abnormal nerve function. The signals are made to travel along the nerve by applying small electric pulses to the nerve at one site and recording the response at a different place along the nerve. The small electric pulses cause a mild tingling feeling. The nerve response is picked up by a recording instrument and is then measured by your doctor.

I have not had an EMG test done. They stick little needles into the muscle to measure the electrical activity of that muscle. No thank you. The Nerve Conduction Study was painful enough. They say small electric pulses...when the doc hit me with that pulse it felt like what I assume a seziure would feel like. Luckily it only lasted a split second (although I felt the after effects long afterwards too).

When my test was over the doctor told me I had Fibro. I asked him how he could tell. He said to me that the read out on the machine, like a little ticker tape, shows too long of a gap between the beginning of the shock and the movement of my arm. Hence; abnormality...damage...nerve damage. I don't know what it's caused from or how bad the damage is... I don't know if that is the way it shows up on everyones but it did on mine.

Thanks for the responses everyone! I hated the nerve tests.. ugh. Felt like my arms were being shocked off.

Frankey, your story sounds similar to me. I'm in my early 20's and having the symptoms in my arms. Xrays of everything.. haven't seen anything. Two rounds of physical therapy, one month each, 3 times a week. Held off on the MRI for now, but I'm assuming that's next. Lots & lots of blood work. My poor arm is still black & blue! They haven't done the pressure test yet, but I have an appointment with my doctor coming up.

Fibro does cause pain and fatigue but DOES NOT cause damage to the joints, muscles or any tissue.

Muscle wasting atrophy will happen if you don't use your muscles, that is why it is so important to exercise on a regular basis. Atrophy can happen if you have an autoimmune connective tissue disease...the body attacks itself.

I've had EMG's before because of myositis (muscle inflammation) causing weakness in my arms. I didn't find the procedure to be unbearable.

Fibro is not an inflammatory condition, it just feels that way.

Hugs, Robin

In diagnosing fibro, bloodwork is usually done first to rule out any of the autoimmune connective diseases

If a neurological problem is suspected, MRI's are done to rule out MS. MRI's and CT scans are also used to detect spinal issues that cause nerve impingement.

It is not unusual to have an overlap of conditions, so it is important that doctors are thorough....so many symptoms can be related to a number of conditions. It is important for the doctor to take time to rule things out.

A diagnosis can take years because symptoms can wax and wane. New symptoms should be reported to doctors.

As a patient, it is our responsibility to partner with our doctors and give information, even take pictures if you notice swelling
or strange rashes.

Having an EMG should not be a routine procedure. It should be used if a muscle or a neurological problem is suspected or perhaps rule a condition out.

Hugs, Robin

I've had nerve testing done. Mine wasn't normal but it was due to my elbow being shaped irregularly. The shape it is tends to trap and pinch nerves causing tingling and numbness in both hands. At this point we know the why but my neurologist hasn't really advised what our next step will be. I figure that will be a subject at our next visit.

1. I have several drug allergies.
2. Until I bought my newest mattress I slept on 8 inches of memory foam. My newest mattress has a plush pillow top on it. Later I may add a memory foam topper as it wears down. I also use two large body pillows for propping up parts that hurt.

I have noticed that some drugs offer larger side effects than others. But I do notice that when a drug works with me, it tends to work well. Just my experience.

I sleep now on a water bed, softside. It's great.

Worst test ever, just to tell me nerve conduction is normal. It hurt so bad, I hope I never have to do it again. I have Fibro, Chiari 1 Malformation amongst other things....so frustrating when nothing comes up, despite the pain we feel.