Has anyone had an EMG?

[admin]

Hi everyone!!
I had my neurology appt last week. He requested an EMG. So I get that done tomorrow morning! I'm kind of nervous! He didn't really explain it. What should I expect?? How long does it take?

[ptrefam]

Dustin's first EMG lasted about 45 min to an hour. They use very fine needles that they insert into muscles to see how they are responding. Also listen to nerves. I think that was how it went. He said it was not painful, except slightly at one needle that was inserted in the back of his neck. This should give you a good idea of how things are working. Good Luck with it!!
Sue

[rachelcasa]

Katy,
I also had an EMG done. It is almost like a bee sting kind of feeling however, some parts of my arm I couldn't feel anything at all. It lasted about a half hour for me. It's not really all that bad I didn't think. Good Luck to you.

[kissygoose]

I had one a couple of years ago. It's pretty much what has been described. It wasn't nearly as painful as I remember them being from when I was a child.

[Joy in FL]

He did not explain it cause he thought it would scare you. To describe it sounds really, really bad. My first two were really bad. They were performed by interns! Then I found someone that knew what they were doing. After that it was a breeze. Honestly, not as painful as this injury! They do tend to cause inflammation for me afterwards. But, nothing that can't be handled.

Let us know how things go when you are done. I will send you lots of positive energy.

[admin]

Well, it wasn't too bad at all. My arm is a little sore, but I am used to that!

They discovered that the nerves 5,6,7 were the ones damaged. (Whatever that means!)

The needles didn't hurt at all, I guess there are some benefits from having that numbness I suppose! The only one that stung was the one in my hand right below my pinky finger, yeowch!

The neurologist said that the muscles were over developed and over used (to compensate for the lack of use from the injury.) He thinks that's what causing the pinched nerve. SO- I have another MRI/C-spine in the morning.

So anyway- I am glad I had that done~ Lets see what they can do about it now!

Thank you everyone for the info!!

[Kath]

Katy

I'm glad that the test went well for you.
I guess we are use to the sore arms.
I hate the needle in my hand between my thumb and index finger.

I'm glad your going for MRI.
Are they going to do one for brachial plexus injury or just the cervical spine?

Good Luck
Kath ( robpi/adult)

[admin]

The last MRI they did was just a regular shoulder one. This time they did the c-spine, brachial plexus, and a contrast one. (Where they inject dye in your vain)

The results come back this Thursday, but unfortunately I am going home for a visit this week so I don't have my next follow up until I get back (begining of June). I will call the neurologist though! I am not that patient!!