AWFUL EMG results

Hi,

Are you able to talk to your doc about these test results? If you are not sure what the results mean to you, specifically, you should be able to ask your doctor to explain them to you. I don't know much about myopathy. Getting a diagnosis is half the battle even though getting the info can be hard sometimes. So sorry you are not feeling well and having a rough day to boot.

Ti

Hi Ann--
I just had one done and I've had bad results before. Did the machine go nuts when they tested you or was it really quiet?

For me the thing goes nuts and what should be one nerve pulse to stimulate a muscle results in a repetitive increased response. I always have nerve activity in my muscles, which are always tight. In the past I have been tested for myasthenia gravis and do not have it.

I have also been told that hyperactivity on these tests can be caused by meds like plaquenil and others and caffience and just plain nervousness and chronic pain. I don't know how fibro might alter these results.

If the electrical impulses are not strong but weak (few, small humps on the monitor vs. lots of big humps or scribbling--which mine is), I think there is more to worry about, but even that may be the result of pinched nerves or spinal problems vs. another disease.

I know this is frightening. Try navigating the results sections of this electronic manual for both nerve conduction and needle examination sections:
http://www.teleemg.com/new/jbr090.htm

It gives a little more info than the regular stuff.

I have increased repetitive potentials, where my nerves don't give up when asking to contract the musccle after it has already contracted. So my muscles stay contracted.

They just did my arm for a specific problem, but I have been real impressed with Mayo's dx and tx of this part of my current health problem. I'm sure it's my neck and if they would simply do a new MRI and have a neurosurgeon look at it, he would concur, since all others have.

I hope that you get answers soon and try not to worry. There is a 40% inaccuracy rate on EMGs. Most neurosurgeons I've talked two (three) tell me they are pretty much useless for spinal injury and other stuff because of that except in certain rare cases.

I hope you feel better soon and your twin finds her purse.