Tests

[Angela1956]

Im finally getting some test done...starting with a nerve conduction test in June. It's been almost 2 years since I've been ill and all I've had is blood rest, all negative. I have swelling and numbness and tingling and pain...sx I relate with others!
Has anyone else had the nerve conduction test and how was it?
Feeling frustrated with all this...but trying to positive :)

[Angela1956]

Hi Jane,

I'm not sure which limbs...I would think all, since I have weaknesses in all, but much more on my left side, where I'm even experiencing numbness. I have been Ill for 2 years and am finally getting some serious tests, it's been a frustrating wait. But now that it's so close, I admit I'm a bit frightened!
What was the outcome of your test? Or did that lead to an MRI?

Thanks for letting me know it's not so bad, that helps :)

Take care, Angie

[Angela1956]

Hi JJ,

Thanks for the link on the nerve conduction test. I checked it out. I believe the neuro just wants to rule some things in or out. I have mobility difficulties and some balance issues and also am experiencing weaknesses in my limbs and  i have to use elbow crutches for assistance.
So time will tell...I'll keep you updated when I find out what's going on.
Take care
Angie

[Angela1956]

Hi Jane, I think your right...that's what my GP thinks also. Thank you for your input...it's encouraging.

Take care, Angie

[JaneK1975]

I just realized we got a little off-topic and didn't answer your question:"Has anyone else had the nerve conduction test and how was it?"

When I had mine, it was interesting. It was for my left arm. The doc stuck needles into my arm (into the muscle) at various spots. The needles picked up the electrical imposes running through my muscles and fed into a computer, where the impulses were graphed so that the doc could see if they were "typical". I understand that not all nerve conduction tests are invasive (i.e., some are done with electrodes that attach to the skin rather than pierce it). Also, it may be totally different for a leg test rather than an arm test (I only have experience with the arm test, and my doc is pretty old-school, so newer versions of the test may be different).

Which limb will they be testing for you? Even if they do use the needles, it's not that bad. I found it a little bit freaky, but more interesting than anything else. The doc even let me watch the computer program as it graphed the electrical impulses out, which was cool.

- Jane

[JaneK1975]

When I was originally referred to my neuro, the first thing he did was run a nerve conduction test. In hindsight, I realize he was using it to rule out a peripheral nerve issue so that he could justify the expensive MRI's necessary to see what was going on in my central nervous system.

Sounds like normal procedural tests are being run for you, which is a good thing. It is frustrating because it takes so long and we always think the road will be shorter than it turns out to be. Just try to bear in mind that it may be while before you start getting any answers, but the fact that they're testing means they are looking for those answers.

Best wishes,
Jane

[SarahL2491]

Yep the nerve test does not confirm ms, just if nerves are working ok
Jj has done a good job of helping you put, I'm with her on this one

[supermum_ms]

I'm thinking they might be looking for evidence of something like peripheral neuropathy instead of neurological conditions like MS, if MS was suspected then you'd first be getting an MRI for sure. Wiki has a good explanation of the testing and what conditions it can help dx.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nerve_conduction_study

Cheers.........JJ