Status
Not open for further replies.

ladave

Distinguished member
Joined
Feb 12, 2006
Messages
136
I requested that USC provide me with copies of all of my tests so that I can have them for any future neurology or ALS clinic consults. I received them today and the EMG/Nerve Conduction Study is very unnerving (to coin a phrase).

I cannot read or understand the numerical evaluations, and hopefully I can get them explained to me so that I can understand the exact parameters of where the disease stands in my body. But the narrative under "Impression" is quite grim:

1. By nerve conduction studies there are axonal loss changes noted in the upper extremity nerves. This is likely a reflection of atrophy of the recording muscles, stemming from antegrade degeneration of the axon, which most likely in the (emg) setting is secondary to motor neuronal loss....

2. Active denervation in multiple myetomes, upper extremities more than lower extremities. Fasciculation potentials in multiple myetomes. Chronic denervation changes with moderate significant loss of functioning motor unit potentials, more severe in the upper extremities. These are noted irrespective of mytomal distribution. These findings are supportive of the diagnosis of motor neuron disease."

Ouch. As I read this in plain English, I've lost some axons (nerve junctions) completely in my hands, and have both "active" and "chronic" denervation all over my body, though worse in my hands. How much denervation is necessary before my leg muscles start failing? I don't know. Right now I wish I hadn't seen the report, but I suppose it is better to know where I stand.

Sorry to bore you all but writing this, getting it "out", makes me feel better. Which after all is the purpose of a support forum, right? Especially when you get scared, like this scares me. Got to get the PMA back:)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Actually Dave that was quite interesting. It's all Greek to me (pun intended Fotios) I haven't actually seen the results of my tests in script. I watch the computer screen and ask what's going on and they tell me that this bar means this and that means that but I've never asked to see the written results. It's not boring. It's information. Don't know what the heck it means but I'll ask my daughter if she knows. She's an ER nurse and a Paramedic and might just be a bit smarter than me on medical matters but don't tell her that. Take it easy. Try not to stress out on it.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top