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Neurology (Expert Forum)
EMG testing
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EMG testing
by whtrabt, Sep 24, 2005 12:00AM
I am a 63 year old man and have been diagnosed type 2 diabetic for about 20 years, insulin dependent for last 5. Recently I moved to FL and changed primary physicians. I discovered that my blood sugar levels have not been as well controlled by my former doctor as they should have been. Now they are well controlled with combination of Novolin N and glucophage I also take accupril for hypertension daily. I have severe pain in my legs, numbness in my toes and feet and aching in my knees and hips. The soles of my feet “burn” and sometimes the fibers of my sox feel almost like I am standing on steel wool. The pain is present when I rest as well as when I am active, but there seems to be less pain in the morning and it increases throughout the day. My doctor suspected peripheral arterial disease so I had an arterial Doppler study and an MRA which confirmed his diagnosis. The blockages are severe and stenting is not an option. A vascular surgeon advised me that surgery is not a viable option at this time. My primary has now referred me to an internationally known clinic in northern FL. They examined the results of my Doppler and MRA they now want to do an EMG. What kinds of neurological disorders can cause the symptoms I am experiencing? Are the neurological and vascular problems related? Since I am a novice at all of this, I would appreciate any advice I can receive as to what questions I should ask. It is a long trip to the clinic and I want to make the best use of the time I am spending there and come home with the best info I can get. Thanks!
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-PW, Sep 27, 2005 12:00AM
Diabetes can cause both peripheral vascualar disease and a peripheral neuropathy (damage to nerves)
You most likely have both, as the symptoms you describe are more suggestive of neuropathy than vascular insuffieciency (although the vascular issues may be contributing)
A good test is an EMG needle study and nerve conduction studies to evaluate for a problem with the nerves. The diagnosis is also clinical though and you should see a good neurologist for a neurological examination. Treatment is based on good sugar control and nerve pain medications for neuropathy like neurontin, amitryptaline, and pregabalin. Other causes of neuropathy are less likely but can be ruled out by simple blood test eg vitamin deficiency, underactive thyroid etc
Good luck
You most likely have both, as the symptoms you describe are more suggestive of neuropathy than vascular insuffieciency (although the vascular issues may be contributing)
A good test is an EMG needle study and nerve conduction studies to evaluate for a problem with the nerves. The diagnosis is also clinical though and you should see a good neurologist for a neurological examination. Treatment is based on good sugar control and nerve pain medications for neuropathy like neurontin, amitryptaline, and pregabalin. Other causes of neuropathy are less likely but can be ruled out by simple blood test eg vitamin deficiency, underactive thyroid etc
Good luck
Member Comments (1)
by Fa208, May 17, 2009 08:58PM
A related discussion, Addition test after EMG was started.
