ALS COMMUNITY
Abnormal EMG, Should I worry about Bulbar

Abnormal EMG, Should I worry about Bulbar

had my EGM of my left leg, left and right thighs, left arm, lower and upper back,  and tongue by the head of the research department of ALS in University of Illinois Chicago hospital. These were the findings on the report;
Strength tests and reflex test were are normal too by the way.

NCS-
The Sural and Ulnar sensory responses were normal.

Motor Responses
The left peronal and ulnar motor responses showed normal distal latencies and normal amplitudes. The conduction velocities  and f's were also normal.

Summary of EMG
Concentric needle EMG in selected muscles of both lower extremities, left upper extremity, left thoracic and lumbar paraspinal and left genioglossus muscle performed(genioglossus or tongue muscle could not relax during test). Spontaneous activity in the form of fibrillations was seen in the left tibialis anterior muscle and positive waves were seen on the left lower lumbar paraspinal muscles. Fasciculations were diffusely noted on the upper and lower extremities muscles. On voluntary activation normal morphology motor unit action potentials and normal recruitment patterns were noted.

Summary of Single Fiber EMG
Exam performed in the left extensor digitorum communis(fore arm) muscle. There were no pairs with abnormal jitter or blocking. The mean was 30.97 (Normal is < 42)

Conclusion
This is a minimal abnormal study. There is electrophysiologic evidence consistent with lumbar radiculopathy  vs benign fasciculation syndrome. There is no electrophysiologic evidence of motor neuron decease.  


What are fibrillations, should I be concerned about them?
I was hoping for a clean BFS diagnosis, the lumbar radiculopathy  can explain my  leg symptoms but what about my upper body fasciculations.  I cant completely get ALS out of my head because of this findings, I am scared that they eventually will lead to more symptoms and more fibrillations. I still kind of choke with my own saliva but I can drink water and eat solids well. I feel like I slur somewhat, my tongue looks smaller than it was a month ago, I have teeth dent marks on both sides, it also looks smoother where I have the bite indents,  but the EMG on my tongue was normal, even though I couldnt relax it enough as noted by the test. Should ALS still be in my mind with these results or I am letting my anxiety take over? Any Inputs comments appreciated it, I am seeing my PCP this Wed for the x-ray results on my lower back,maybe more useful information will be given to me.
Related Discussions
Post a Comment
To
Comment
Post A Comment
Go
Blank
Weight Tracker
Reach your weight goal faster
Start Tracking Now
MedHelp Health Answers
Submit
RSS Expert Activity
1741471_tn?1336957856
Blank
LIVE WEBINAR TOMORROW!-SUPER BODY, ... Blank
May 22 by Michael Gonzalez-WallaceBlank
2126606_tn?1335910182
Blank
Fibromyalgia Awareness
May 11 by Clare Waismann Kavin, RASBlank
2126606_tn?1335910182
Blank
Opioid-induced hyperalgesia reduces...
May 03 by Clare Waismann Kavin, RASBlank