Normal EMG

[ellen20]

I have had leg problems for the past three to five months with fascilations increasing more frequently in the last couple of weeks. I do not think I have weakness as I am able to walk on heels and toes (not sure if this is a true test of weakness) with no problems. I do not know what muscle atrophy looks like and have tried to find pictures on the web with no success. I have had a few issues with my hands lately (was diagnosed with carpal tunnel a couple of years ago in left arm, but have started having issues with right. I am extremely tired. I have had an emg which was completely normal and lumbar spine mri with and without contrast that only showed a bulging L4/L5 disc. I had surgery on this disc 15 years ago. My question is can you have ALS with a normal emg? ALS is one of the first things that comes up when you search the web for some of my symptoms. I have also had plenty of blood work - all normal. My legs ache and my feet feel so tired all of the time. Thanks for any input.

[vanvechten]

I look forward to hearing of some answers you get, because I wonderthe same thing.  

[twitchingteacher]

I had similar issues, but my neuro said that a clean EMG is pretty much the "gold" standard for MND, and that if there are no abnormalities on that, you are good to go. Not that it makes me feel better when I have the same problem, but he seemed pretty confident that if you had symptoms, then the exam and emg would pick them up.

[Rachel_W]

When I had an EMG I asked if it could have been too early and the ALS specialist said no.  I know that when symptoms are still there afterward then it can put doubt in your mind.  I have heard that anxiety can play a large role in symptoms such as perceived weakness and even slight speech issues.  

I recommend that if you have had a clean EMG then I would perhaps think that it could be a benign condition called 'Benign Fasciculation Syndrome'.  Search for AboutBFS and it will lead to a great forum of people just like you who have had a clean EMG and have been told that they are fine but still have twitching and a variety of other symptoms.  You may find someone there that has been cleared that has similar symptoms to you.

[ChrisSundin]

An EMG test that is clean after you have started to experience your symptoms almost certainly rules out ALS. By the time you experience even slight symptoms from ALS, the disease has already severly damaged your neurons and an abnormal EMG would show this damage. You should continue to search for answers to your symptoms but do so without the fear of wonder about ALS. Good Luck........