Hi.I had an EMG and a NCS test done two weeks ago. I have sensory neuropathy in both hands and feet. The NCS test was easier than the EMG test but both were ok. Ive had worse. With the NCS test, you feel little shocks where ever they put the pads and neddles. Its more of an ouch hurt and only last a second.On any part of the body, they may give you one shock, on another 5 shocks in a row. No more than 5. So its, ouch or ouch,ouch,ouch,ouch,ouch!Just kidding, its ok. The EMG is a bit harder. They put neddles in your muscles, that is only a tiny pinch,but they do wiggle them around a bit. I wouldnt call it pain, more discomfort and I didnt like it. I felt nauseous but still ok but was glad when it was over. I was a little bit sore for a day or two but no big deal. I had it done all over so may be thats why I was sore. I dont have MS but I thought you might like to know first hand what it is like.I wouldnt worry,even on your face and it doesnt take too long. Best of luck with it and I hope you get a good result. Cath278
Thank you for the information. I appreciate any and all help.
I had the test done on my arms. I know it wasn't my face, but there were something like 30 needle sticks in each arm. It wasn't too awful bad. I didn't have any bad after effects from it. The pain from the needles wasn't too bad. The only thing that bothered me was that the neurologist kinda "wallered" the needle around in the muscle. I was more than willing to go thru with it though to find out what was going on with the problems I was having with my arms. Unfortunately, it didn't offer me any help. The tests were negative and now my hand is numb. I hope that whatever problems you are having that is causing you to have the test is resolved and wish you the best of luck. hugs...Amy
The following is what I found about how an EMG feels. I personally have not had it done but I am sure someone here has...being Sunday night on a long weekend, you might have to wait a bit for some responses but they will come!
How the EMG feels:
With an electromyogram (EMG) test, you may feel a quick, sharp pain when the needle electrode is put into a muscle. After an EMG test, you may be sore and have a tingling feeling in your muscles for 1 to 2 days. If your pain gets worse or you have swelling, tenderness, or pus at any of the needle sites, call your doctor.
With the nerve conduction studies, you may feel a quick, burning pain, a tingling feeling, and a twitching of the muscle each time the electrical pulse is given. It feels like the kind of tingling you feel when you rub your feet on the carpet and then touch a metal object. The tests make some people anxious. Keep in mind that only a very low-voltage electrical current is used, and each electrical pulse is very quick (less than a split-second).
Hope this helps you a little but like I said someone I would imagine will come along and give an explanation that may be more helpful because they have actually gone through it. At any rate best of luck and I hope things work out well!
Rena