ONE YEAR EXACTLY ... STILL ANSWER FREE

Well it was August 22, 2007 that I woke up and my body changed.   I cannot believe that I have lived a complete year with numbness, weakness, tingling and balance problems.  I have had numerous tests and have seen two neurologists.  I just don't know how long I can expect to live in limbo land.  I have my next test an EMG scheduled for September 8, 2008.  Does the EMG rule out MS or ALS?
Well thanks for listening friends ... I am off to find a piece of  "anniversary" cake with my name on it.
Thanks,
Melanie

[hbananas]

As I understand it:
The EMG measures strength of muscle responses right there in the muscle.  Also nerve conduction from one spot on the arm or leg to another.  It's looking for peripheral damage, like that from diabetes, or, heaven forbid, ALS.

MS damage is in the central nervous system, so the EMG isn't affected by it.  It was after my normal EMG the doctor sent me for the brain MRI.  The doctor who did mine told me it was normal right then and there.  After waiting all this time, at least you'll probably get this one answer quickly.  Good luck.
Holly

[monotreme]

Hi Melanie and welcome to the forum.  I am very sorry to hear of your troublesome year.  It is not fair that anyone should have to go through that.

Holly is correct about the EMG.  We would all love to help you as best we can.  Would you mind posting your story?  Have you had brain or spine MRI's?  What type of blood work have you had done?

Welcome!

Elaine

[Lulu54]

Correct me if I'm really wrong but my EMG report lists the possibility of neurological problems OR peripheral damage.  It showed that there was damage to the nerves, not just the muscles and the abnormal EMG was what got me sent on for the brain MRI.  The MS neuro ordered another one for next month to pin down the results now that we know I have lesions.  He wants one or the other listed on my EMG report but not both.

I hopethat makes sense - its late here and way past my bedtime.

Be well,
Laura

[Lulu54]

You made me wonder again!  I went back to thMS Clinic site and found their quick list of MS procedures, including the EMG

http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/patientcare/healthcare_services/multiple_sclerosis/procedures/

"Electromyogram (EMG)
This test measures the electrical activity of a muscle or a group of muscles. An EMG can detect abnormal electrical muscle activity due to diseases and neuromuscular conditions."


Laura

[pennst8r]

I want to welcome you too - and wish you a very happy aniversary!

I know how you feel about the whole year going by - many, many of us here do. I'm coming up on 2 years. I think our Den Mother Quix's diagnosis took 6 or 7 - help me out here, Quix????

Laura's research is correct. I remember Quix telling us that the EMG helps to spot peripheral nervous system issues, as opposed to central nervous system.

Good luck, and celebrate that anniversary - that's the important stuff!!!

Penn

[monotreme]

Yes, EMG's are abnormal in peripheral nerve disease.  Central nervous system diseases like MS usually have a normal EMG result.

If the EMG is abnormal, then something is wrong with the nerve signals after they leave the spinal cord.  So it is peripheral.

Elaine