emg normal but still have numbness

In rare cases, you may experience tingling, bruising, and swelling at the needle insertion sites. Im out of work and not being payed, so I was hoping the emg showed a issue so we can work on fixing it ASAP and not running around chasing problems and causing me to be out of work even longer. When I make a fist or flex the hand back and forth or rotate 180 or 360degrees I get a pulling feel in the arm. Do not wear tight shoes but protect the area from further trauma. I still have some weakness in my right hand lower arm area like holding a weight I get very shaky. Had a non needle NCSin Nov2011- normal, but arm was never bent for the NCS just straight. There may be certain medicines you should avoid taking until after the test. Every body movement you make, from lifting your leg to nodding your head, involves complex communication between your central nervous system (your brain and spinal cord), nerves and muscles. while in an environment where there is potential to get hurt. Your healthcare provider may recommend an To understand how an EMG test works, it helps to understand how your muscles work. normal EMG ? referred me to Surgeon, seen surgeon in Dec 2012 and he agreed with specialist. Still have tenderness over the new home of the ulnar nerve, still have tenderness and extreme itch over the incision. I constantly do a google search to see if anyone is going through the same issues I am. Neurologists often perform an EMG test alongside a nerve conduction study (NCS). |Just touching the tip of the pinkie will feel like I have it in a vise. I had and EMG and NCS done today but the doctor said it looked normal? Providers may also use EMG tests to rule out conditions. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Youll be given instructions on how and when to contract the muscle being studied. Some people (especially people who take blood thinner medications) may bleed after the test. Or two, we don't have the adequate These electrodes will be removed after the test is over. The test can tell whether a nerve has been damaged. After the provider has recorded enough data from your muscle, theyll remove the needle. Keep reading to learn the answer. The Escalating Rates of Metabolic Diseases and Their Consequences, Lactate is far more important than you think, How to determine your aerobic and anaerobic thresholds, Batters Shoulder : Posterior Labral Tears, Runners require strength too: What to do and when to do it, Lactate, the lactate shuttle, and lactate threshold workouts in polarized training, Zone 2 Heart Rate Training For Longevity and Performance, Pain In The Front Of The Knee: 6 Common Causes, Sometimes our joints just hurt, and its ok not to know why. Had to EMG's and was told nerve was still active but regenerates slowly. After the test, the muscles they tested may feel tender for a few days. It has to get better, right Lee? HE looks at me like I'm cookoo when I'm tell in him that its like when you get out of the pool. That includes neurologists, who are doctors who specialize in the brain and nervous system. All of a suddent rhe numbness has worsened in the pinkie and half the ring finger and down the hand. They transmit electrical signals that cause muscles to contract and relax. The process can vary for an EMG, depending on the reason for the test and which muscles and nerves the provider is assessing. It can help tell the difference between muscle weakness caused by 21 and cant live a normal life please help. My surgeon doesn't know what else to do for me. Occasionally, a nervebiopsy may be carried out as part of your diagnosis. During the EMG test, patients are typically asked to contract the muscle being tested, for example, by lifting or bending the arm. I try todescribe some of myissues going on and he sometimes acts stumped. Each morning I wake and if I don't have pins and needles in my hand I lay in bed hoping that when I get up there is no discomfort, numbness or pain. EMG Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. They are often done at the same time. Some of the tests that the EMG doctor may use are nerve conduction studies (NCSs) and/or needle EMG. After the first surgery I had a lot of pain and the doctor basically said oh well go somewhere else lol. Xray in July 2011- normal no bone involvement. Recently I started to get a tightness in the hand. DUh, I needed him to record that as its a open WCB case. Aside from that nothing else is better or new. Department of Neurology and Ophthalmology My left arm is very week and I cannot carry or hold things on that side. |Just touching the tip of the pinkie will feel like I have it in a vise. You may feel slight discomfort or pain when they insert the needles. It can help determine the presence, location and extent of these injuries and diseases. Heres why you would need one, how it works, and what happens. Hi Elaine, just I'm still hanging around. Seen a specialist in Oct 2012 and he pinioned that it was indeed ulnar entrapment. Peripheral Neuropathy: Evaluation and Differential During the procedure, its important to communicate with the doctorif the pain becomes more intense or feels overwhelming. The provider doesnt deliver electrical stimulation through the needle. Incision very painful until a short while ago. E-Mail: [email protected] If your EMG shows any electrical activity in a resting muscle, then you may have: If your EMG shows abnormal electrical activity when a muscle contracts, then you may have a herniated disc or a nerve disorder, such as ALS or carpal tunnel syndrome. Although both EMG and NCV tests are used to help identify the source of pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms, hands, legs and feet, these tests The nerve conduction study is the first part of the procedure. They may also use an audio amplifier so they can hear the pulses of electrical activity. During both parts of the EMG procedure, the electrodes will deliver tiny electrical signals to your nerves. The tests usually take 40 to 90 minutes. Neurologists use electromyography (EMG) to help diagnose injuries and conditions that affect your muscles and the nerves that control them, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and muscular dystrophy. Learn how quality and patient safety are at the core of Brigham and Women's mission and vision. Some symptoms that may call for an EMG include: The results of an EMG can help your doctor determine the underlying cause of these symptoms. If the test picks up a problem, you may be diagnosed with what is called a neuromuscular disorder. That's exactly all we can hope for. is a source of discomfort but does not usually cause. have The muscle soreness isnt usually severe and should get better in less than a week. Privacy PolicyThe information on this site is not intended or implied to be medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The neurologist who oversaw either or both procedures will review the results and write a summary for your doctor. You can have problems with your muscles and nerves in only one part of If You Are Experiencing Dizziness Peripheral neuropathy. Hopefully your hubby has a doctor more concerned about the cause then just saying dont know!!!!! You may be asked to change into a hospital gown right before the procedure. Still I have the numbness and tingling in the 4.5 and 5, down the 5 side of hand and into the wrist on same side. (Straight armhas always had the least amount of pain and numbness.). Electromyography (EMG). EMG is most often used when a person has symptoms of weakness, pain, or abnormal sensation. Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in less than one minute for common issues such as: colds and coughs, stomach symptoms, bladder infections, rashes, and more. Mayo Clinic Had k-wire removd 11 days ago and dr gave me a cortisoneinjection for what he said was unrelated tendinitis. An EMG measures these impulses through a needle, which acts as an electrode, injected into the muscle tissue. Some of the tests that the EMG doctor may use are nerve conduction studies (NCSs) and/or needle EMG. If anyone has any suggested for meds/whatever that help with the pins and needles or the fatigued/achy feeling in the forearm and hand- I'm all ears. NCS is usually done before EMG if both procedures are done in the same session. Bathe or take a shower to remove any oils from the skin. After the nerve conduction study, your doctor will perform the needle EMG. Apparently I'm a big baby. Its also important to tell your doctor if you have a bleeding disorder, or if you have a pacemaker or implantable defibrillator. Still cant do repetative motions as it creats pain and discomfort in elbow (this occured before the surgery also, but it was becasue it felt like something was catching in the elbow and I would actually get nauseated from the pain). NCS measures how fast and how strong the electrical activity is in a nerve. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. If you need to take a break, just ask. Sleeping at night the feeling of the sheets just touching the elbow area is like sandpaper is being rubbed against my elbow. HealthTap uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes. The tests may be given to people who have the following symptoms that dont go away: Both tests can help doctors diagnose whats wrong with you. I have pain in my wrist and in my hand since the surgery. Still have numbness in the pinkie, which is basically constant. Very frustrating. EMG (Electromyography): What It Is, Purpose, The Neurological Institute is a leader in treating and researching the most complex neurological disorders and advancing innovations in neurology. Most are rarely dangerous. EMG results can help the doctor diagnose muscle disorders, nerve disorders, and disorders affecting the connection between nerves and muscles. I am due to have an EMG test to my arms. What is Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy? All rights reserved. Ac., CYT, 6 Ways to Ease Piriformis Syndrome Pain with Self-Massage and Stretches, 10 Shoulder Mobility Exercises and Stretches, disorders that affect the ability of the motor neuron to send electrical signals to the muscle, such as, peripheral nerve disorders that affect the nerves outside the spinal cord, such as. A number of tests may be used to diagnose peripheral neuropathy and its underlying cause. Still can't lay in bed and read as the position makes the numbness worse. WebYes, I still have numbness and tingling all over my body from my scalp to my feet. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. I am also taking two allergy pills a day to combat thebity/pinchy/crawly itchy pain in elbow to fingertips, and i am taking melatonin to sleep at night, currenlty at 20mg a night, dr says its not habit forming and I can potentially take up to 2000MG a night. I really dont know. 10 Conditions EMG Test Can Diagnose: Nerve & Muscle Problems 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. The needle electrodes will evaluate the electrical activity of your muscles when contracted and when at rest. Your doctor may order an EMG if you have signs or symptoms that may indicate a nerve or muscle disorder. I can massage the area of the pinkie and it doesn't go away like if you just have something out of place. EMG Test for Neuromuscular Disease - Brigham and The entire procedure should take between 30 and 60 minutes. Burning and numbness are signs of trauma and inflamation to the nerves (e.g., neuritis, neuropathy, etc.). Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them. If you have Myasthenia Gravis, ask your EMG doctor if you should take any medications before the test. My doc has prescribed naproxen 500 mg 2x a day for 2 weeks for wrist tendonitis. was on Celebrex after surgery but no great pain releif, took Lyrica before the surgery but Drsaid that if it didnt help before it wont help after, took Gabapentin but no help and it made my hair fall out. Normal EMG but numbness and burning? - Pain Concern After theEMGis complete, you may experience some muscle soreness at the insertion point(s). WebYes, I get terrible pain after the EMG.I think it just over stimulates my muscles and causes the spasms to go in over drive.I usually have the legs and paraspinals done (ouch). Your doctor can use the results of these tests to figure out whether you have a muscular problem or a nerve problem. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. If you have a pacemaker, you should tell your doctor before they schedule NCS or EMG. SO now I am at almost 14 months post surgery and 35 months post injury. had an L5/S1 Discectomy in October 2012 - and still have numbness in my left foot ( pinkie toe and 2 next to it ) as well as left calf "odd feeling". Neither NCS nor EMG should lead to any complications. See a sports therapist. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other commonly abused medications. Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction The doctor will look at and listen to the electrical signals that travel from the needle to the EMG machine. You might strain a wrist muscle lifting something heavy, for example. The hand has started to feel tight- kind of like when you get out of a chlorine swimming pool and your skin feels tight. Avoid putting cream, lotion or perfume on your skin. A provider will locate the muscle(s) they want to test. Michigan State University The complementary have been working in this sort of area for hundreds of years. These nerve cells are known as motor neurons. This is a minor surgical procedure where a small sample of a peripheral nerve is removed from near your ankle so it can be examined under a microscope. Large fiber damage will mostly give symptoms of numbness, tingling, weakness, and loss of Dont apply any lotions or creams after washing. Yes I understand that nerves take time to heal, but as there has been no significant improvement in the numbness In the pinkie area I am starting to get very concerned and worried. I have brought up all these issues with all my drs but they are all telling me that hey wont know until Aug 2013 or Dec 2013 if the issues with the pinkie will be permanent. Shoulder mobility stretches and exercises can help improve shoulder flexibility, reduce tension, increase range of motion, and prevent injury. I'll try to update sooner than 6 months, but it seems pointless when there is no change. An EMG translates these signals into graphs or numbers, helping doctors to make a diagnosis. You might strain a wrist muscle lifting something heavy, for example. Bathe or shower and wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. It bruised up good and had some swelling for a couple weeks. What??? During the Test. I take 75mg trazodone to sleep and still I wake up numerous times each night. As part of the Department of Neurology at Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH), the Division of Neuromuscular Disease and Electromyography offers comprehensive diagnostic evaluation, consultation and management of all neuromuscular disorders. Why it's done. Your doctor may order an EMG if you have signs or symptoms that may indicate a nerve or muscle disorder. Such symptoms may include: Tingling. Numbness. Muscle weakness. Muscle pain or cramping. Certain types of limb pain. Electromyography Electromyography (EMG Connect with us. Ifeel like I bullied my docotor to see the sugeon, but at the first visit with the surgeon he said lets operate- this subsided most of my pain!!! Keep me posted on your nrecovery, I always like to hear that healing is possible!!! This entire situation frustrates me very much and it is impacting my life greatly. Sometimes, nerves injured in an accident or surgery just need time to improve. As i always take my splint off. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency. Your doctor may ask you to move into different positions during the procedure. As I'm left handed if I write with the brace on the hand goes almost completely numb (I really dont think this is good). My forearm aches i believe like tendonitis and my elbow down is swelling and my hand even feels a bit numb. I hit the ulnar just behind the point of the elbow. We use cookies and other tools to enhance your experience on our website and I m worried that the pinkie numbness is permanent now and its is not going to resolve its self. I am sorry about all the problems you are going through. Thanks for the hope Shell74. Tests for Brain, Spinal Cord and Nerve Disorders. It may include medications, surgical procedures, or lifestyle changes. I hit the ulnarjust behind the point of the elbow. Electromyography (EMG) is a test that measures and graphs the electrical activity in your muscles as they move. Anything neurological, problems with nerves, tingling, numbness, shooting pains or shocks, it might be an idea to get your vitamin B12 bloods checked. Had surgery Feb 2013. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. Your message did not include enough details but if you are only 3-4 months from the time of the incident, this is too early to know if the damage is permanent. A number of testsmay be used to diagnose peripheral neuropathy andits underlying cause. I injured both elbows in a fall from a motorcycle and ulnar nerve transposition was recommended on both arms. Call your healthcare provider if you have: An EMG can help diagnose a pinched nerve and issues related to it, but it cant show a pinched nerve. Please do keep checking back as Sandur does check in from time to time & will probably be posting to you. The pinkie is very sensitive and I will get a huge increase in the sensation. Hopefully he can help with with the pain and discomfort. The other is a nerve conduction study (NCS). In general, these types of nerves are called large diameter nerve fibers. 10 Conditions EMG Test Can Diagnose: Nerve & Muscle Problems Numbness is the most annoying and troubling problem caused after surgery. These stimuli cause a quick, mild tingling feeling. A hospital technician may be the person who actually does the NCS or EMG. Get answers from Hand Surgeons and top U.S. doctors, Our doctors evaluate, diagnose, prescribe, order lab tests, and recommend follow-up care. I know your probably saying no you wouldn't but considering everything else. Negative EMG/NCV so I dont have neuropathy? Not so If youre facing this procedure, lets remove some of the apprehension by explaining what happens. Clinical Center A normal emg and : Nerve conduction does not mean that there is no nerve irritation but that it is just not severe enough to register on that test at that time. Im not sure if its related but I also have a sharp shooting pain up my leg into my hip kinda towards the back. Fasciculations may mimic normal or abnormal motor unit potentials (MUPs) as seen in on-going reinnervation. Hello everyone. Numbness If the signal travels at a slower rate than it should in a healthy nerve, it means the nerve is probably damaged. When I take the brace off most of the time my hand will go instantly numb. Had a repeat NCS in December 2013 and the values were lower than the previous NCS. I have thought a similar case maybe happening with my foot but wasnt sure it was possible since I assumed it only happened because of the botched first surgery. And of course I take trazodone for sleep. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. In: Waxman SG, eds. Does anyone else feel this way. Nerve root injury, such as sciatica. Maybe be trying Amytripline in October so I need to wean down, but Amytripline gives me horrid drug drowseiness hangovers on a moderate dose. ughhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Your doctor may review the results with you right after the procedure. I'm concerned Im not wearing it right. All I know is that pain has got to go. its really frustrating when you think surgery is going to be the answer and it doesnt work that way. Had a non needle NCS in Nov 2011 - normal, but arm was never bent for the NCS just straight. Can it be caused by aging? Policy. Its natural to have soreness or numbness in a muscle once in a while. The feeling of something stuck in my elbow at the point was gone, and the numbness down the arm to the pinkie finger was gone. I'm going to get fitted for it at physio tomorrow. collected, please refer to our Privacy Policy. Find an expert Neurologist for innovative neurologic treatment and compassionate care. Massive swelling of elbow, and then the pain started a few days afterward as well as numbness in pinkie. I go tomorrow to speak to the doctor so well aee what he thinks. as well. Electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic procedure that evaluates the health condition of muscles and the nerve cells that control them. I have a constant pins and needles feeling in my arm going down to my fingers. Its one form of electrodiagnostic testing. Neurologists usually perform an EMG test right after a nerve conduction study. Instead, you can think of the needle as being similar to a microphone its only a recording device. EMG testing is not perfect and might be normal even though you still have cubital tunnel syndrome, or ulnar nerve compression. I injuried my ulnar nerve in May 2011. Pain is different & worse & hand is numb. Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Motor problems, such as involuntary muscle twitching, Muscle degeneration, such as muscular dystrophy, Neuromuscular diseases, such as myasthenia gravis, Nerve compression or injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. I went to see a different dr in th cklinic (just because I couldnt see mine) and he said to stop wearing it. I have had a injury in my palm before which ended in a scar down my finger to my rist. My advice (i am not a doctor but have and still suffer from nerve damage) is to give it lots of time, and stay off the area. Youre not a doctor, but that doesnt mean you shouldnt know the warning signs of a brain tumor. As the patient contracts the muscle more forcefully, more muscle fibers are activated and the oscilloscope should show stronger electrical activity. After the exam, check with the doctor who referred you. I check in and troll the posts to see if anyone else has posted with the same issues. Back to Gabapentin. Squeezing the pinkie(gently) will feel like the nerves are raw in the pinkie. An EMG test is typically used to evaluate conditions and disorders that include: Doctors may use the EMG test in concert with a nerve conduction velocity test to differentiate nerve disorders from muscle disorders. For example, if your muscle is damaged, it may have abnormal electrical activity when its resting. Polaris Spine & Neurosurgery Center, Atlanta, GA. You will be asked to relax and to contract (or flex) your muscles. I'm hoping for some advise from those how have had a ulnar transposition and how they have coped , how fast they recovered ect.. Sandur, sorry you are having continued pain after your surgery. I did manage to get some post surgical physio for 5 weeks and it started 2 weeks ago. Normally, a muscle at rest has no electrical activity. Emg For more information about these cookies and the data Typical order of nerve trauma from least to worse is: You may not be able to have an EMG if you have any of these medical conditions or devices. In a word, yes, you can expect some discomfort. Peripheral neuropathy It also helps your provider plan treatment. Muscles contract when nerve cells (called motor neurons) send a small electrical impulse into them. Medical training helps the doctor decide which tests to perform based on your problems. A slight contraction of the muscle results in some electrical activity, which increases as the muscle contracts more intensely. If you have numbness and tingling in the hand does it come from your neck? Post Edited (Gramma june 02) : 10/7/2014 2:10:29 PM (GMT-6). But most people can complete the test without issues. Try not to smoke, consume alcohol or eat too much sugar as this will slow the healing process and make the pain worse. When you see a GP,they'llask about your symptoms and examine the affected area of your body. Electromyography (EMG) is a test to measure muscle response or electrical activity when a nerve in the muscle is stimulated. Complications are rare. You may have sore or tender muscles for a few days after the test. He said there is a possibility of surgery again but after the first one not doing me any good I really don't feel I am open tothe idea of a second one. The EMG doctor will discuss your test results with you or send them to your regular doctor. The GP mayalso arrange blood tests, especially to check forcauses such as diabetesor vitamin B12 deficiency. Anyways I'm glad to hear that you are getting feeling back, even if its a slow slow process. My husband had surgery 6 months ago and is in more pain than before surgery. Thanks for your insight into your surgery and recovery. It teaches doctors the things that can go wrong with the human body and how to tell the difference between these things. Nerve problems elsewhere in the body, such as, Peripheral nerve problems in your arms or legs, Bathe or shower, but dont put on any lotions or moisturizers. Diagnostic Testing in Neurologic Disease. WHen they injected me firtst they injected the freezing into my arm- HOLY CRAP- they got the nerve dead on. Last medically reviewed on March 20, 2018. Can fractures heal on their own with just rest? Stay off pain killers since they will only mask the pain and you will not have feedback to know if you are getting better, and please be safer in the future by protecting your feet, eyes, head etc. The sensors are called needle electrodes, and theyre directly inserted into muscle tissue to evaluate muscle activity when at rest and when contracted. Serving patient communities locally, nationally and around the world, our staff strives to provide patient-focused, world-class medical care while developing new treatments and cures for neurologic diseases. jut rubbing lotion on it cause a huge increase in pain. WebIn Guillain-Barr syndrome, the immune system attacks the bodys nerves. Like you said, EMG and NCS rarely pick up damage unless it is major like a severed nerve. An NCS measures the flow of electrical current through a nerve before it reaches a muscle. Doctors who do EMGs go to 4 years of medical school; and then have 3 or 4 more years training in a residency program. conduction does not mean that there is no nerve irritation but that it is just not severe enough to register on that test at that time. Doctors do recommend that on the morning of a test, you: You should also talk with your doctor about taking medications before a test. You may also needa scan to look for any underlying cause of your neuropathy, such as: Page last reviewed: 10 October 2022 Once the test is complete, the electrodes are removed from the skin. The only way to really describe how it feels is thatits like the muscles shrank and they areall of a sudden too small. New clumsiness or tremor (shaking) of the arms or When you see a GP, they'll ask about your symptoms and examine the affected area of your body. Incision very painful until a short while ago. Which is a good thing. Not really sure it its helping. Good luck. While electromyography can be uncomfortable, the data received from the test can be very useful to the doctorin helping you find along-term solution to the painor condition that predicated the test.For more information on Electromyography (EMG) and how they are performed, call Polaris Spine & Neurosurgery Center today at (404) 256-2633.