Posted , 4 users are following.
Hello My husband had an EMG test done today for "possibly MND" as per Neurologist 2 weeks ago. We are petrified as to the outcome. The letter re this appontment stated that the test would take around an hour - it was over within 15 mins and now wondering whether 1. He didn't find anything or 2. He saw enough to confirm it . Has anyone else had a
"short" test ?
0 likes, 31 replies
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mandy77480 janet74449
Posted
Hi. Janet
I had my 3rd Nerve Conduction Test done on Wednesday and my first EMG
test. The EMG part did take about 15mins. It was done by a consultant
and he said the results would back with my Movement Specialist in
5 days. I totally understand your worry, I've been waiting for almost 3 years
for a full diagnosis . If there's any other questions you have feel free to
private message me.Mandy
angel10949 mandy77480
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sandy67 janet74449
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I have been worrying about same thing but now believe my symptoms may be due to serotonin syndrome! I have been diagnosed with Meniere's, possible RA and now awaiting neuro appt, but all my neuro tests were abnormal, clonus, brisk reflexes and Hoffman's. I hope your husband is ok x
marilee43089 janet74449
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I had the EMG/NCT about a month ago. While I didn't time it, I was amazed at how quickly it was done. Mine was done by a Neurologist that has expertise in this area. My legs and one arm were done, but as I recall, certain tests were not done equally on all limbs. After the test, I was told it was ok. I didn't have to wait 5 days to know. I did, however, have a follow up appointment a week afterward. At the time, I asked about why some people found the test so painful and it a absolutely nothing for me. I asked if he did something different for me, like make it easier. He said no. At this point, I have no idea what to think.
angel10949 marilee43089
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marilee43089 angel10949
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Negative, but this was given to me verbally by Neurologist. I did not have 'twitching' nor signs of ALS/MND. My signs were more of MS, but Neuros usually start with EMG to rule out things. From private messaging with others on the patient forums, I sense that doctors here in USA do things a little differently than in UK where many posters seem to be from. How do you all do on the basic neuro exams? I would think that would show up some negative things with people even early on in a disease. For example, Janet, could you spouse walk on his heels and toes?
angel10949 marilee43089
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angel10949 janet74449
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Mine took about hour. The test doesn't prove anything except they didn't pick it up right now. What were your husbands symptoms? I had all ove twitching in my muscles. That were not visible. Been 7 weeks but now. Test was normal but read many studies that say early in disease emg may not pick it up if symptoms persist. So let me know why you suspect it?
janet74449 angel10949
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We were told on 10th Feb (after bringing appointment forward 2 weeks) the devasting news that my husband does in fact have MND
and he's going downhill pretty quickly.
marilee43089 angel10949
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Angel, what are your sources that confirm "the test doesn't prove anything" or "early in disease emg may not pick ut up"? If both those are true, then why would a doctor order one or anyone bother to get one?
marilee43089 janet74449
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I'm sorry for your news, Janet. I was replying to angel at the same time you were posting. So then, in your husband's case, a short emg did provide a diagnosis.
angel10949 marilee43089
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I read on national institutes of health. There are so many studies. You can go in early after initial twitching and the test be normal go back theee to six months later and be abnormal. The needle doesn't always have to be near a fasciculations or potential to show up. I had one done three weeks after initial symptoms of twitching all over it is normal. Symptoms haven't went away. My left ankle is now hurting which may lead to drop foot. See at the beginning a single fiber starts the twitching but as the disease develops more and more fibers are needed to recruit he muscle actions by that time it covers more space and an emg will definitely pick it up but it early on. Just google emg nih or als fasciculations als nih. It will pull up lots of articles. I am scared out of my mind because twitching is abnormal and not may things can cause it in reality. Best of luck.
angel10949 janet74449
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sandy67 janet74449
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janet74449 marilee43089
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Thanks Marilee - its so so hard to deal with . First symptom we noticed last Sept was speech beginning to go - our GP ordered MRI brain scan (thinking sroke) - all clear. He was then taken cold turkey off of Venlaflaxine (had obv been misdiagnozed with depression / anxiety) Put on Lyrica and walking became a big issue. Had to go private as NHS waiting list was 16+ weeks ! Now no speech at all, walking badly with a frame, swallowing issues - we as a family are all devastated
janet74449 sandy67
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angel10949 janet74449
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I am so sorry. I am sure you are devastated. I can't tell you how sorry I am to read this and know that it is such a terrible experience. I am just so sorry.
janet74449 angel10949
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Thanks Angel Praying that you and your family don't have to go through this awful disease - husband is completely in denial and doesn't want to know anything which is obviously understandable
angel10949 janet74449
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I understand. As I am going through it. I cry a lot and keep searching for it to be something else. I look at children and husband and just stray crying. Part of me thinks I have it and the part that hopes I don't are fighting everyday.
I am so sorry. My heart hurts for you and I wish I could take it all away for you and your family.
sandy67 janet74449
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How old is your husband? Can't believe the NHS were dragging their heels over something so serious, it's going to be a difficult time for you all, xx
janet74449 angel10949
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janet74449 sandy67
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He's 75 Sandy - old for this to be diagnozed according to websites. NHS have been rubbish with our situation ! Trying to focus on our sons wedding at beg of May but its hard
sandy67 janet74449
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He must have been having symptoms for years that were not picked up surely? Yes the NHS certainly haven't done their best by you. Don't let it cloud your sons big day though, look forward to it, put all your energy into it and try, as hard as it is, to see it as a blessing xx
janet74449 sandy67
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We cannot think of anything wrong at all Sandy - beginning of last Sept we were on hols - walking up hills / swimming/ day trips etc ! Get back and wham
sandy67 janet74449
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janet74449 sandy67
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This has been going through my mind as well Sandy. We see the doctor at the hospice next Friday and somehow I'll be asking her " how has this taken hold so quickly ". Problem is my husband will be with me and wont hear "anything" about the disease BUT I've got to ask this. Speech started going when he started Venlaflaxine
angel10949 janet74449
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I am in US. Next test next week. They say wait and see what happens. I am only 43. With children school aged. I am so scared it has taken over my life. The doctors say can't say for sure have to wait and see. So my life is on hold until you get better nothing or worse. I am so sorry that I have cried for you and your family because I understand the fear and shock. You will be in my prayers daily.
marilee43089 angel10949
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I can only commiserate. While I have different symptoms and likely a different diagnosis, the fear is the same. It's bad enough to know you have an awful disease, but to constantly just wonder if you do, and no test will really confirm it until the symptoms are so bad you don't even need a test.
It's uncanny how some people, like Janet's spouse, get in denial about a serious diagnosis and then there are those like me (and maybe Angel) that thinks I have every disease under the sun. For those of us with high anxiety and depression, things are even worse.
Angel, if it is any comfort to you, let me share this little story. During all my googling on MS, I watched many videos on youtube of people that had it. I ran across one younger fellow that thought he had eith MS or ALS. He was a bit of a hypochondrac like me, and his video is interesting. He eventually went for every test there was and it turned out to be Anxiety. He had a whole boatload of symptoms. But get this...he had the facilitations and he actually had them while doing the video. He held up his arm and the muscle was jumping. So, there is a case where he had the facilitations and no ALS.
marilee43089
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angel10949 marilee43089
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I am in Florida. I don't see my fasciculations which is strange I just feel them and while I read more I find out they may not show because it is early in the illness because enough of the muscles aren't damaged enough yet. So it just fuels the worrry. It is so scary.
marilee43089 angel10949
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