emg normal but still have numbness emg normal but still have numbness

Medical training helps the doctor decide which tests to perform based on your problems. Although both EMG and NCV tests are used to help identify the source of pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms, hands, legs and feet, these tests Your doctor may review the results with you right after the procedure. Providers may also use EMG tests to rule out conditions. Their EMG may be normal, but yet they actually have pain. Does anyone else feel this way. Still can't lay in bed and read as the position makes the numbness worse. It uses a dye that makes soft tissues easier to see on. (Straight arm has always had the least amount of pain and numbness.). Most work as neurologists or physical medicine and rehabilitation doctors. Clinical Center Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in less than one minute for common issues such as: colds and coughs, stomach symptoms, bladder infections, rashes, and more. Which is a good thing. jut rubbing lotion on it cause a huge increase in pain. To understand how an EMG test works, it helps to understand how your muscles work. Doctors who do EMGs go to 4 years of medical school; and then have 3 or 4 more years training in a residency program. In: Ropper AH, Samuels MA, Klein JP, Prasad S, eds. Muscles contract when nerve cells (called motor neurons) send a small electrical impulse into them. Does the doctor perform a EMG? I take 75mg trazodone to sleep and still I wake up numerous times each night. Learn more about how U.S. News & World Report ranks Brigham and Women's Hospital. Had k-wire removd 11 days ago and dr gave me a cortisoneinjection for what he said was unrelated tendinitis. MRI in Aug 2012- normal (once again never bent arm just straight, in/out in 15 minutes). (These signals originate in your brain, travel down your spinal cord, through your motor nerves and to your muscles.) DIclifonac transdermal cream gave me a very ugly red rash, Arthrotec gave me same rash and "potential ulcer symptoms, Aleve gave me"potential ulcer symptoms". A hospital technician may be the person who actually does the NCS or EMG. You will feel various pains for a while as this heals, and since nerves are all connected there will be referred pain to other parts of your body, like you legs and back. The physio told me to keep an eye o nthe fleshy part on the pinkie side of the hand to see if it starts to thin out. I know your probably saying no you wouldn't but considering everything else. Possible causes could include: Make sure to notify your doctor about any over-the-counter or prescription medications you may be taking. Have I got elbow tendonitis, pain in elbow, pain and tingling in forearm, loss of grip in hand. Electromyography (EMG) is a test to measure muscle response or electrical activity when a nerve in the muscle is stimulated. I have started to get a pinch feeling at the base of the pinkie, but there is no anomalies there. They caught it quickly so hopefully anynerve damage is minimal. Tried Gabapentin before the surgery but hair fell out (much more than normal daily hair loss),so a bit concerened about trying it again. I m worried that thepinkie numbness is permanent now and its is not going to resolve its self. It has been 5.5 months since my surgery was preformed and I am not a happy camper. I have pain in my wrist and in my hand since the surgery. Bathe or shower and wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. All rights reserved. It is basically losing sensation in a particular area of the body that affects a persons lifestyle. If youre facing this procedure, lets remove some of the apprehension by explaining what happens. Sometimes, problems with the electrical activity in your nerves can cause pain, tingling, or weakness in your muscles. After the provider has recorded enough data from your muscle, theyll remove the needle. referred me to Surgeon, seen surgeon in Dec 2012 and he agreed with specialist. My surgeon doesn't know what else to do for me. These stimuli cause a quick, mild tingling feeling. I have brought up all these issues with all my drs but they are all telling me that hey wont know until Aug 2013 or Dec 2013 if the issues with the pinkie will be permanent. What you asking of the doctor is outside there field of knowledge. Mayo Clinic Staff. All in all yes a long recovery but worth the healing time it took. Can it be caused by aging? You will be asked to relax and to contract (or flex) your muscles. Tell the EMG doctor if you are taking aspirin, blood thinners (like Coumadin), have a pacemaker, or have hemophilia. My incision sight is numb 24/7 on the outside but I still feel negative sensations in the arm. EMG and NCS are helpful in diagnosing: NCS can also help your doctor see how well youre recovering from a nerve injury. If youre able to have an EMG, you should do the following beforehand: You will be asked to lie down on an examination table or to sit in a reclined chair. He didnt eleborate on why, mentioned a MRI..What?????? Squeezing the pinkie(gently) will feel like the nerves are raw in the pinkie. I had and EMG and NCS done today but the doctor said it looked normal? Though on the bright side it sounds as though they found your entrapment rapidly. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. The toes are extremely delicated and can take months to years to fully heal. Large fiber damage will mostly give symptoms of numbness, tingling, weakness, and loss of was on Celebrex after surgery but no great pain releif, took Lyrica before the surgery but Drsaid that if it didnt help before it wont help after, took Gabapentin but no help and it made my hair fall out. During the Test. As part of the Department of Neurology at Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH), the Division of Neuromuscular Disease and Electromyography offers comprehensive diagnostic evaluation, consultation and management of all neuromuscular disorders. I have also noticed my elbow now makes a clicking noise. Radiculopathy is pain that travels down nerve paths into the extremities. Just holding my hand and reading the pinkie seems to fall away from the other fingers and then I get discomfort in the pinkie and a soreness. Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. Kerry Boyle D.Ac., M.S., L.Ac., Dipl. Every body movement you make, from lifting your leg to nodding your head, involves complex communication between your central nervous system (your brain and spinal cord), nerves and muscles. This site should be used for informational purposes only. Connect with us. In some cases, your provider may instruct you to not smoke cigarettes or drink caffeinated beverages, such as coffee or tea, two to three hours before testing. These electrodes will be removed after the test is over. For over a century, a leader in patient care, medical education and research, with expertise in virtually every specialty of medicine and surgery. Something like this will take time, and you are young so healing should occur quickly. I have heat, cold and burning sensations in different areas. MY 4th and 5th were clawed and frozen for 3-4 hours. WebWhile electromyography can be uncomfortable, the data received from the test can be very useful to the doctor in helping you find a long-term solution to the pain or condition that My muscles twitch from head to toe. Post Edited By Moderator (straydog) : 10/24/2014 8:43:24 AM (GMT-6). EMG and NCS are done in a hospital or office setting. I am believing one day I will be back to normal. I constantly do a google search to see if anyone is going through the same issues I am. Could my doctor give me a hard cast for wrist tendonitis. Blood tests all I now feel like a complete fraud but still have a lot of pain in my neck and shoulder and still have numb fingers. During the procedure, its important to communicate with the doctorif the pain becomes more intense or feels overwhelming. An EMG can detect issues with your motor nerves, muscles or the communication between the two. to analyze our web traffic. Apparently I'm a big baby. The nerve conduction study is performed first. Numbness is subsiding and strength in little finger is returning. The complementary have been working in this sort of area for hundreds of years. My hand always feel like this now. If EMG shows that your muscles responded well to nerve signals, your doctor may look for other causes of your muscle soreness or weakness. Electrodes in the needles detect electrical activity in the muscle and display the results on an oscilloscope, a monitor that shows electrical activity in the form of waves. That dayof my surgery I had a horrendous Charlie Horse pain in arm. And it may be because it takes time for the test result to change. Get all the facts here. Last medically reviewed on March 20, 2018. Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them. You may not be able to have an EMG if you have any of these medical conditions or devices. Your doctor will first clean the affected area with an antiseptic. Ulnar was decompressed and moved to inside of arm under muscle (don't know if it has a special name). However, it is not a procedure to be dreaded. It can help determine the presence, location and extent of these injuries and diseases. My handwriting is not what it used to be! Then a treatment plan will be drawn up. My doctor (my GP, not the surgeon) shrugs his shoulders and says hes not sure. as well. I had a cortisone injection (done by ultrasound and live xray, sorry cant remember the name- flouro-something) last week. Autoimmune Disease: What Are They And Do I Have One. On a daily basis I do not use my left arm because if I do it puts me in a lot of pain. A trained assistant, a technologist, under a doctors supervision can do nerve conduction studies (NCSs). Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in a minute. When it contracts, its electrical activity may make abnormal wave patterns. This is a study of muscles and nerves due to my having A few weeks ago my Doctor told me he thought my hip joint was slightly out of line and this was fine as well. The tests may be given to people who have the following symptoms that dont go away: Both tests can help doctors diagnose whats wrong with you. Wrist tendonitis. The tibial nerve is found near the ankle. Electromyography: This is more involved than NCS. I have thought a similar case maybe happening with my foot but wasnt sure it was possible since I assumed it only happened because of the botched first surgery. This looks like an incident in which safety shoes would have prevented it. My arm like yours feelsvery tight at times. I'll try to update sooner than 6 months, but it seems pointless when there is no change. I injuried my ulnar nerveinMay 2011. Nerve signals are electrical impulses that travel quickly throughout your nervous system. Sleeping at night the feeling of the sheets just touching the elbow area is like sandpaper is being rubbed against my elbow. NCS and EMGare usually carried out at the same time. Academic Fax: (517) 432-9414 now I have numbness in my foot and a burning sensation on the side. Instead, you can think of the needle as being similar to a microphone its only a recording device. Usually, it feels like pins and needles. They can also help rule out conditions that you dont have. Xray in July 2011- normal no bone involvement. Is that normal? When its not clear why youre having problems with your wrist, back, legs, or other body part, one or both of these tests may be helpful. Michigan State University Very frustrating. During this portion of the procedure, your doctor will apply several electrodes to the surface of your skin, usually in the area where youre experiencing symptoms. The entire procedure should take between 30 and 60 minutes. Typical order of nerve trauma from least to worse is: general pain, burning, tingling, numbness and then nerve death. If you need to take a break, just ask. Electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic procedure that evaluates the health condition of muscles and the nerve cells that control them. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other commonly abused medications. Your motor nerves (motor neurons) send electrical signals to your muscles to tell them what to do. Tell the healthcare provider whos performing the EMG if youre taking a blood thinner medication (. Don't forget your neck and shoulder as well , a good exam may narrow down these sites and recheck othe. However, the test uses a very thin needle that penetrates the skin and goes into your muscles. You may have sore or tender muscles for a few days after the test. While there is little or no sensation involved with the detecting of electrical activity, the insertion of the needle itself into the muscle may cause discomfort but generally not more so than if you were receiving a shot or giving blood. Dont apply any lotions or creams after washing. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. WebWhy do I need an EMG test and a nerve conduction study? Tendinitis both wrists?Type for living.Tried year of physio,6mo off work,now hands free computing.No improvement.Chronic pain 6yr+.MRI,rheuma,emg -ve. As i always take my splint off. If you have Myasthenia Gravis, ask your EMG doctor if you should take any medications before the test. The EMG test is a diagnostic tool that helps a neurologist detect neuromuscular abnormalities. Electromyography measures how well your muscles respond to those signals. To produce movement, your motor (movement) nerves send electrical signals to your muscles. Learn how quality and patient safety are at the core of Brigham and Women's mission and vision. Some symptoms that may call for an EMG include: The results of an EMG can help your doctor determine the underlying cause of these symptoms. Try not to smoke, consume alcohol or eat too much sugar as this will slow the healing process and make the pain worse. This is normal and generally lasts 1-2 days. I have a constant pins and needles feeling in my arm going down to my fingers. The other electrodes record the nerves response. HE looks at me like I'm cookoo when I'm tell in him that its like when you get out of the pool. The EMG doctor will discuss your test results with you or send them to your regular doctor. Due to my "ehem" compo-loopyness I have been taking pictures weekly/daily of my hand and arm(fighting Compo makes you go over board on keeping track of what may or may not relevant info), and I do have pictures from before the surgery of my hand and , I dont know, maybe there is a change?? But the pain! A doctor will usually order an EMG when someone is showing symptoms of a muscle or nerve disorder. My advice (i am not a doctor but have and still suffer from nerve damage) is to give it lots of time, and stay off the area. Theyll then deliver a small electrical impulse that will feel like a shock to nerves and record the response. Still I have the numbness and tingling in the 4.5 and 5, down the 5 side of hand and into the wrist on same side. They may also use an audio amplifier so they can hear the pulses of electrical activity. You might strain a wrist muscle lifting something heavy, for example. Not really sure it its helping. They are often done at the same time. Youll be given instructions on how and when to contract the muscle being studied. If the signal travels at a slower rate than it should in a healthy nerve, it means the nerve is probably damaged. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. Thanks for your insight into your surgery and recovery. Why it's done. Your doctor may order an EMG if you have signs or symptoms that may indicate a nerve or muscle disorder. Such symptoms may include: Tingling. Numbness. Muscle weakness. Muscle pain or cramping. Certain types of limb pain. the area over where the ulnar now sits is very tender. Still I wake with pins and needles every morning. If the cause is uncertain, you may be referred to a neurologist for more blood tests to check: You may need alumbar puncture to test a clear, colourless fluid that surrounds and supports the brain and spinal cord (cerebrospinal fluid) for inflammation. Tried Elival before the surgery for insomnia but I was left way too groggy and unmotivated the next day. Hello everyone. Can fractures heal on their own with just rest? You need need to try some massage work to see if that does anything. \I am hoping that there are others out there who have had this surgery and can give me some perspective on the recovery. You also can do your normal activities after the tests. You have had bruising and likely to have things over contracted and sticking together. You may also see some bruising where the needles entered your skin. Tests for Brain, Spinal Cord and Nerve Disorders. Recovery can take weeks to years, but most people do recover. Some people may need to see a neurologist, a specialist in health conditions affecting the nervous system,in hospital for further tests. Second, you obviously have damage to the tissues, nerves, vessels and bone. I am due to have an EMG test to my arms. New slurred speech or hoarseness of voice. The doctor will look at and listen to the electrical signals that travel from the needle to the EMG machine. Ac., CYT, 6 Ways to Ease Piriformis Syndrome Pain with Self-Massage and Stretches, 10 Shoulder Mobility Exercises and Stretches, disorders that affect the ability of the motor neuron to send electrical signals to the muscle, such as, peripheral nerve disorders that affect the nerves outside the spinal cord, such as. You can have problems with your muscles and nerves in only one part of your body or throughout your body. On the advise of the pain docotr on July 22 I started wearing a epicondylis (sp) brace (the tennis elbow strap). The radial nerve runs down the underside of the arm and controls movement of the triceps (the muscle located at the back of the upper arm). Its one form of electrodiagnostic testing. I'm going to get fitted for it at physio tomorrow. You dont need to do anything special before either test. But at the same time I have drastivally reduced the use of the arm and hand due to the pain and discomfort. WebIt can lead to numbness, tingling, and paralysis. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. I did manage to get some post surgical physio for 5 weeks and it started 2 weeks ago. It also helps your provider plan treatment. swelling over the new site of the ulnar was present for about 8 weeks, and then it gradually receded. The results of the tests will help your doctor decide what is wrong and how it can be treated. Avoid smoking for at least three hours before the procedure. I think only a neurologist can request a skin biopsy of this kind and they arent that commonly done but the are the gold standard test for SFN. Im not sure if its related but I also have a sharp shooting pain up my leg into my hip kinda towards the back. Hopefully he can help with with the pain and discomfort. Electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic procedure that evaluates the health condition of muscles and the nerve cells that control them. 21 and cant live a normal life please help. Fasciculations may mimic normal or abnormal motor unit potentials (MUPs) as seen in on-going reinnervation. EMG is generally safe. (if anyone out there can help me to understand the values better I'd appreciate it greatly!!!). You may feel slight discomfort or pain when they insert the needles. The needle electrodes will evaluate the electrical activity of your muscles when contracted and when at rest. Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal that can cause radiating pain by compressing spinal nerve roots. The EMG test your doctor has recommended studies if your muscles and nerves are working right. Once the test is complete, the electrodes are removed from the skin. DUh, I needed him to record that as its a open WCB case. In other cases, surgery may be able to repair an injured nerve. During both parts of the EMG procedure, the electrodes will deliver tiny electrical signals to your nerves. WebYes, I still have numbness and tingling all over my body from my scalp to my feet. Your healthcare provider may recommend an EMG if you have symptoms such as muscle weakness or numbness and tingling. Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Motor problems, such as involuntary muscle twitching, Muscle degeneration, such as muscular dystrophy, Neuromuscular diseases, such as myasthenia gravis, Nerve compression or injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Ifeel like I bullied my docotor to see the sugeon, but at the first visit with the surgeon he said lets operate- this subsided most of my pain!!! Imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and MRI scans help healthcare providers see a pinched nerve and whats causing it (such as a herniated disk). Electrodiagnostic medicine studies diseases of the nerves and muscles. Theyll repeat the same process in the next muscle until the test is concluded. Asked my doctor on a follow up what he though and he said it is about 4 days post injection that the success (or failure)will be noted. the areaover where the ulnar now sits is very tender. But in general, you can expect the following during an EMG test: You may feel some pain or discomfort when your provider inserts the needle into your skin and muscles. Sorry for the long ramble. My arms and legs are weak and heavy. Depending on your results, your doctor will talk to you about any additional tests or treatments that might be needed. East Lansing, MI 48824, Developed by DECS | Contact Information | Privacy Statement | Site Accessibility, MSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer, Michigan State University Board of Trustees, East Lansing, MI 48824, Consortium of Osteopathic Residencies in Ophthalmology (CORO). If you have numbness in your hands, you need to see a health care provider. What doc would be suited to diagn broader issues? If diabetes is suspected, they can usually make a confident diagnosis based onyour symptoms, a physical examination, and checking the levels of sugar in your blood and urine. Keep reading to learn about the different types, what you can expect, and how you can find relief. After the exam, check with the doctor who referred you. Im no doctor and all of this is extremely new to me. Peripheral neuropathy. A normal emg and : Nerve conduction does not mean that there is no nerve irritation but that it is just not severe enough to register on that test at that time. This is one of the most common questions that patients ask when theyre preparing to undergo an electromyography. During an EMG test, small needles are inserted into the muscle through the skin. Oh Elaine, aside from the numbness at the site of the incision- which the surgeon warned would happen- and that's the only thing that didn't happen to me. Find an expert Neurologist for innovative neurologic treatment and compassionate care. Pain is different & worse & hand is numb. Thanks to all of you who have provided information in this stream. As the patient contracts the muscle more forcefully, more muscle fibers are activated and the oscilloscope should show stronger electrical activity. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. A doctor may order an EMG test if a person has symptoms of a muscular or neurological condition, such as numbness or unexplained weakness in the limbs. WebDiagnosis. Thanks for the hope Shell74. Had surgery Feb 2013. I hit the ulnar just behind the point of the elbow. Or two, we don't have the adequate These nerve cells are known as motor neurons. Your healthcare team providers will assess the results in conjunction with other medical tests to determine a diagnosis. WebAn EMG test is typically used to evaluate conditions and disorders that include: Motor problems, such as involuntary muscle twitching. There are no lasting side effects from the tests. Had to EMG's and was told nerve was still active but regenerates slowly. Find, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. These substances may interfere with the test. \it hasn't really made any difference yet. The only way to really describe how it feels is thatits like the muscles shrank and they areall of a sudden too small. However, you may feel sore in the area that was tested. 10 Conditions EMG Test Can Diagnose: Nerve & Muscle Problems Since your readings are normal, this is good news. You can do any of your normal activities, like eating, driving, and exercising, before the tests. Some of the tests that the EMG doctor may use are nerve conduction studies (NCSs) and/or needle EMG. Ive read small fibers are hard to see on emgs, and it fits the symptoms? Like you said, EMG and NCS rarely pick up damage unless it is major like a severed nerve. In a word, yes, you can expect some discomfort. Nonsurgical therapy If the condition is diagnosed early, nonsurgical methods may help improve carpal tunnel syndrome, including: Wrist splinting. Surgery and Recovery for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome. A number of testsmay be used to diagnose peripheral neuropathy andits underlying cause. Keep pushing the docotors. The muscle soreness isnt usually severe and should get better in less than a week. Had a non needle NCS in Nov 2011 - normal, but arm was never bent for the NCS just straight. Electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic procedure that evaluates the health condition of muscles and the nerve cells that control them. This electrical stimulation causes electrical activity in your muscles, which causes them to contract (tighten). You are being sent to the EMG lab because you have numbness, tingling, pain, weakness, and/or muscle cramping. Splint isn't working. \I am hoping that there are others out there who have had this surgery and can give me some perspective on the recovery. The provider doesnt deliver electrical stimulation through the needle. Although EMG tests can be very helpful, they alone dont usually provide a diagnosis. cedars-sinai.edu/Patients/Programs-and-Services/Orthopaedic-Center/Imaging-and-Diagnostic-Services/Electromyography-EMG.aspx, hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/test_procedures/neurological/electromyography_emg_92,P07656/, my.clevelandclinic.org/services/electrodiagnostic_exam/ns_overview.aspx, Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) Test: What to Expect, Everything You Should Know About Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), Stiff Person Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment, Recognizing and Treating Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, What Causes Swollen Fingers and How to Treat Them. I did manage to get some post surgical physio for 5 weeks and it started 2 weeks ago. Still have numbness in the pinkie, which is basically constant. jut rubbing lotion on it cause a huge increase in pain. Privacy PolicyThe information on this site is not intended or implied to be medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The test can tell whether a nerve has been damaged. They may order further tests to learn more about your condition. I check in and troll the posts to see if anyone else has posted with the same issues. The pinkie has started to give the sensation of being hot and numb. WebNCS is usually done before EMG if both procedures are done in the same session. Massaging your piriformis muscle may help loosen the muscle and reduce pressure on your sciatic nerve. Had a repeat NCS in December 2013 and the values were lower than the previous NCS.