Has anyone tried nerve testing?

[GreyScale]

I dont know the proper term for this test, but it tests the nerves. Is it painful? What can I expect?

[geminigirl1963]

I also need to have one of these EMG's done.  I'm not sure what to expect - I've read many conflicting stories - some people say it's no more painful than a bee sting and others say that it literally brings them to tears, just like squirtatious above.  All my doctor's office told me was that "it is not a fun test and can be uncomfortable" -- now their idea of not fun and uncomfortable I'm sure is a LOT different than mine.  I remember before I was having my shoulder replacement surgery done, this same doctor's office told me "yes, you'll be in some discomfort after surgery".  DISCOMFORT?????? OMG!!!!  When the block wore off that they had given me prior to surgery, I thought for sure I had been run over by a truck and it had ripped my arm totally off!!!

Anyway - I'm going into the procedure with the idea that it's going to be VERY painful and hopefully I'll be very pleasantly surprised.  I guess it's the old "expect the worst, but hope for the best" thing.

[squirtatious]

Not sure if this is what you were asking, but I had an emg last aug that brought me to tears when it got to the inserting needles into the muscles, it hurt so bad!!! I couldn't help myself, the tears just started comming before I knew it.

[Brenndy]

I've provided the URL to:  Patient's Guide to EMG Testing:
http://www.hss.edu/conditions_14416.asp

[toolmaker]

I have had emg's,nct's & another that I think was called a tct.They can be uncomfortable but are not painful.They take about a 1/2 hour to do.It's nothing to get stressed about.

[Sarajmt]

Hi GreyScale:  If you're talking about a myleogram (sp?) , yes, I've done this twice.  Needles are inserted to test the nerve pathways.  Yes, it's uncomfortable.  And it's not 100% accurate.  My test showed problems once and was clear the next time.  It was ordered by my first Pain dr. who had done little to address my pain.  


My present Pain doc doesn't do them.  She told me that they are less than 49% accurate and cause the patient too much discomfort.

I wish I could tell you something more positive about them  I can't .  Maybe someone else who had a better experience with them can.  I wish you luck. I hope your test will show the source of your pain and help provide you with relief.  Do let me know how it comes out.