EMG Question

[saucygrl]

My neurologist office called me this morning to schedule an EMG.  I was in severe pain that a MRI showed was a caused by two bulging discs in my neck.  (C6 & C7).  It looks like Tysabri is keeping the MS  stable which is fantastic.  

My question is does any one know if they test your whole body or just the area that's causing problems?  I was also reading information on a web site that says it's painful.  I'd like to know other people's experiences.  I don't want to worry about this until February 26th. I do acupuncture and I'm guessing the needles are a little bigger than that, but I just don't know what to expect.

Thanks all!
Chris

[saucygrl]

Ess, I had to laugh about the comparison to a mammogram.  That's not something you look forward to, but definitely survivable.  

Lulu. I will let you how it goes.  I think you are right. It's the fear of the unknown.  

Chris

[essdipity]

I found this test annoying and a bit uncomfortable, and that's it. Compared with another procedure that nearly all women go thru after a certain point, the mammogram, the EMG for me was much less 'painful.' I know the tests are entirely different, but I wanted to give you a point of reference you may be familiar with.

[Lulu54]

that fear of the unknown will get us every time! I've had this done a couple times on my legs  - let us know how it goes for you, ok?

[saucygrl]

Thank you both for answering my question.  I'm not quite so worried now.  Needles don't normally bother me and I know pain is different for each person.  I'm not really afraid of needles and I have a pretty high tolerance before it really bothers me.  

Having a little insight can make a world of difference for me, so THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

Chris

[Lulu54]

I agree with ggrrrl - the emg is a very quick process.  I didn't find it much different than the acunpuncture needles.  Good luck with getting answers and treatment, but please don't worry needlessly about the pain on an EMG.

As far as where they test- it will just be the affected area.  If I went to be checked for carpal tunnel in my right hand, they would only test there.  Same with other problems- it is very specific to look at the nerve conduction abilities.

i'm also another tysabri user and am happy with my response.

[Guitar_grrrl]

Hi, Chris!

I've had both acupuncture (love it!) and an EMG (meh...), and I didn't find the EMG terribly painful. They only give you a tiny bit of juice and measure the reactive waveforms.  It doesn't take long.

MS and cervical spondylosis aren't mutually exclusive.  I think one of our other members has both, if I'm not mistaken (DV?).

I'm glad you're doing so well on Tysabri.  I love it!