EMG Results

[cornfairy]

Context: I am a 45 year old caucasion woman diagnosed with possible MS with 2 lesions in periventricular white matter adjacent to the anterior horn of the right lateral ventrical.  

MRI of spine normal.  I do not have diabeties, alchoholism, thyroid disease, b-12 deficiency, lyme disease, or any injuries.  Autonomic testing normal.  EEG says slowing in frontal region, temporal lobe.

My question is regarding the possible cause of my EMG/NCV results which say: "abnormal study because of borderline sensory and motor latencies and axon reflexes present in peroneal and ulnar nerves.  Findings consistent with but not diagnostic of electrically mild or early neuropathy with demyelinating features."  (I have tremor in all my muscles, twitching and some numbness).

I have read that MS does NOT cause abnormal EMG results.  What else could cause this?  (in light of normal spinal MRI, no diabeties, injuries, etc.) What is significance of "axon reflexes present in peroneal and ulnar nerves?"

Thank you for your thoughts!  This is really a wonderful service.

[bubbles380]

A related discussion, EMG/NCV results was started.

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Elaine:

An EMG is a study that entails several facets.  There is the nerve conduction part (the shock part) and then there is the needle part (the needle in the muscle).  There is a pattern of muscles that each lab performs so they do not miss a disease.  The amount and number of studies vary from lab to lab.  For instance, if you came to the cleveland clinic, you would be exposed to an arm and let nerve conduction study and then at least 6-8 muscles stuck by a needle.  So, it sounds like what your received was a thorough study.

CCF Neuro MD

[Elaine]

I have a question about EMGS.  

I had one in August due to some tingling in my left hand and slight tingling in my left ankle with an occassional burning feeling.  

What's confusing for me, from what I've learned of EMGS is why mine was conducted throughout my entire body and also why I was given to "shocks" to the spine with some type of paddle.  
What this test necessary?  Could EMG ever cause any harm?  

Today, I am much worse than I was before.  Experiencing burning in my ankles and thighs, tingling, neck spasms, etc. etc.

Please let me know your thoughts.  Thank you.

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Sharon:

The value you gave is within the normal range for lower extremity nerve conduction.

CCF Neuro MD

[Sharon]

Sorry I left off the nerve involved, it would be the tibial nerve.

Thank you for your help.

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Sharon:

It would depend on which nerve.

CCF Neuro MD

[Sharon]

Would an axonal reflex of 48.3 msec be something to worry about in possible demyelating neuropathy?

Thanks

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Snowflake:

The EMG would indicate that a peripheral polyneuropathy picture was occuring.  I would see what your neurologist who ordered the test might think is going on.  Demyelination of both motor and sensory neurons could be a number of disorders depending on your physical exam, from metabolic to genetic.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD