United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

The neurologist we've taken my son to told us the last time we were there that he just had a stretch injury. Most likely to C5 and C6. He hasn't done or requested any formal testing yet. He's telling us this based on the movement my son lacked in the beginning and the fact that he has recovered a lot of movement as the basis for this "diagnosis".
My question is... Should I request to have that testing done? Or should I just take that frustrating "wait and see" approach as suggested by the neurologist?
I'm sure you all understand my dilemma. I'm just not sure what to do right now. Does anyone have any advice? Thanks!

we demanded an emg. i would see a bpi specialist, we love the shriners, and if you need a test they can help you. i learned that ALL local doctors really DO NOT understand this injury well(in my area atleast). we have sought for advise out of state.

Jake'smom:
Your neuro and the next poster are both right. Nerves are a wacky part of the human body. Unlike bones, which can be xrayed...nerves are bit tricky. Even emg's are not completely helpful. Most doctors, even bpi specialists, start their diagnosis based on fuction. They have learned, over time, that certain functions, if they come back with in a certain time frame are related to a particular type of nerve injury. Those are generalities. EMG's are painful, and not a lot of fun (for parent or child). I think your neuro is trying to save you that pain, especially if your child is recovering on his own. Also, emg's done on small children are very variable and depend on the technician's abilities.

In general, this injury involves a lot of wait and see. My daughter had a flail arm at birth and still we had to "wait and see what comes back."

If you are not yet using a bpi specialist, you might want to send a video to a couple of them (check the Medical resources listing on this website) and see what they have to say. You can email them as well and ask if they think that an EMG is necessary.

My daughter had 2. One at 2 months and one at 3 months. They were awful and I threw up after the second one (there had been no change-i knew we were in deep). She has not had one since, and i was told that there really wasn't a reason to do one anymore. We go by function now.

Remember that there are certain guidelines that are pretty much accepted in the bpi community--no biceps against gravity by 6 months and you really should be at a bpi specialist. No hand function at 3-4 months, you should be at a bpi specialist. And both of those do not involve emg.

good luck,
claudia

What do they do during an emg? Could you describe it a little? I'm curious to know. I know I have to wait and see but that's so hard! I wish I had a crystal ball to see what the future holds...but that's not the way life works. It's just so frustrating not to know what he'll be like in 3-5 years from now. I just keep praying...

Also- I live in Houston and both Dr. Nath and Dr. Shenaq are here. I think I will email them. I do have a question about video tapes. I have a video camera, but how do I get the little tapes it takes onto VHS tapes? I know that's probably a stupid question but I hope someone can help. Is there a place you can take it to or something? Thanks!
Shari

If u have a vcr you should be able to hook it to your tv and copy it to your vcr tape.
Sue

That makes sense....thanks!

Our emg went well, our son was not unhappy at all. Our local neurologist told us it was up to us(if we saw bicep to not do it). i did not have a computer & did not even know there were bpi specialists. so at the time i was a complete wreck and demanding a test to determine function made sense. after that, we bought a computer, found ubpn, went to shriners, and are a lot happier for it!

An EMG is extensive testing of a muscle's response to inervation. They stick a small needle into several different spots in each muscle and run a small electrical current through a wire to test the response of a muscle. I had one as an adult and it is uncomfortable at best. Some of them even hurt. I can't imagine a baby having one! (Of course, I'm sure some of the anticipation I had was the worst part. A baby doesn't have that.) Our doctor (Waters) offered to do and EMG on Alexis but didn't recommend it. He said the function of the arm was enough to tell him what he needed to know. After he saw what she had, he decided that surgery was the best option. I don't think I would trust "wait and see" with a doctor that is not a BPI specialist, though.

And EMG can be quite painful. I was cool with mine until they started putting the needles in the areas that I actually have feeling. I was about 7 years old at the time. Not Fun at all when they reached my upper arm/shoulder. However when they were testing my hand that was kinda neat because I did not have any feeling in my hand so I just got to watch the computer screen. Entertaining to a 7 year old. Good luck with what ever you decide to do!
Amy 19 ROBPI from MN