EMG and EMLA Cream

[D&RMom]

My 3 yr. old daughter is going to have an EMG done in a few months. She has sensation in her affected arm so I know that she is going to FREAK when then try to stick the needles in her arm. She is a biter so I am worried that she will bite the DR. or the PT. I know that someone posted before about EMGs, but I can't find the post. For kids who had the EMGs, how long does it take? Do the kids lay down or sit up? How many places do they stick the needles in? How did other kids handle it? Can EMLA cream be used before the EMG? Would we have to put it on the whole arm? Any suggstions?? Thanks!

[phaliscak]

When I put Emla on Michael's port I use about the size of a quarter and use Tegaderm on top. It needs to sit for about 60 minutes. During that time it gets runny and starts to turn a clear color. They also have a similar product out called Elamax. It does the same thing but in less time. About a half hour. You don't need a prescription for it but it's very expensive. Around $50.00 a tube. With this in mind I don't think you can lather the whole arm in Emla. What could you wrap it in? Maybe Serran wrap? When Michael was about three he had an EMG done and the Dr. gave him some kind of liquid medicine that calmed him down enough to do the test without problems. Do they still give that to the really young kids? I forgot what they call it. I am sure the other moms know what I am talking about. I hope you can figure something out. Maybe tell the Dr. about your concerns and maybe they can give some advice on what to do. Good luck.

Patty

[admin]

My 11 month old had 2 EMG's. HOnestly he does not remember it. They put cream all over the arm and wrap it with celefain type stuff and let it numb the area for a few minutes. They give children medicine in their "bottoms" and this relaxes them and makes them drowzy my son fell asleep he felt so good. I think this is funny watching him so comfortable and glassy-eyed. It did wear off the last 15 minutes and that is when he cried. My whole thing lasted about 3 hours though.

[JaimeC]

The kids are laying down during the EMG. You can be there at her head so you can keep her from biting the doc. Yikes! I can't IMAGINE my three year old doing the EMG. My bpi son had several as an infant, and one at age 7. He had no numbing cream or relaxing medicine ever. However, he wasn't THREE when he had one. He got over them right away as a baby. He wasn't happy as a 7 year old, but did okay. It takes about 20-30 minutes, and they stick the needle in, perhaps, 15 different spots. It may depend on the kid.
Hope this helps.
jaime