emg question

[Kathylund]

Hi everyone, I was wondering if MG would show up in a emg, I know it wil show in single fibre but was wondering if it shows up on a reg emg? I am still having problems after 6 months with my tongue and mouth feeling tired when talking and some tingling sensations on my tongue. Also a pulling. Went to als specialist, no ALS, so doc has ordered a modified barium swallow and a blood test for MG, so wondering if it would of showed on my past emg (which was clean) Thank you for your help

[kmendsley]

Not sure...but I would just go with doing whatever test they want you to do just in case it doesn't cover it. Then you can know for sure...Good luck.

[rose]

Kathy,

The single fiber EMG is much more sensitive than the standard EMG. One cannot count on MG showing up on a regular EMG although it can. A normal EMG will not rule out MG. A normal SFEMG, combined with a normal repetitive stim NCV will exclude MG.

Blood work for MG is not the "be all" as far as diagnosing it goes. False negatives to the ANA tests are not uncommon.

Tomorrow, when you have the modified swallow test, if there is something mechanically off with your swallow process, some part of those issues should be caught during the study. True, it is like a snapshot, it only sees what is happening at the moment of the test, but, you also may be having problems you are not consciously aware of. You'll be doing it with a SLP, and radiologist. It is an easy test, not bad at all in the realm of procedures we can be subjected to.

Before you have the actual test, you will probably have a preliminary exam with the SLP. Even though they will have the notes from your referring doctor, the initial evaluation before the test starts is a good time to be a "chatty" Kathy, so they have a good feel for your perception of difficulties.

Good luck, I'll be thinking about you.

[Kathylund]

So I have the swallow test today, everything came out fine. Interestingly, I was talking to the speech path that was present and she had acctually worked for the als doc that I had seen. I was talking to her about my symptoms and she mentioned maybe seeing a dentist, that there could possibly be something pressing on a nerve in my mouth, even though I have not had any dental work in the past year. It's a thought and with some of the sensory symptoms in my tongue she could be on to something. Definatly worth a try. Also waiting for the mg bloodwork ang go from there. Thanks everyone!

[Toto's Dorothy]

It's nice to hear good news!