EMG Results...please help...

[VibeTribe]

Hello,

I've lurked on here for a while now... I think this is a great site. I wanted to know if anyone can help me with these results...

bare with me... this EMG test was performed at the end of April (2009), after noticing progressive weakness on my right side the previous August (2008)...

"Physical exam today revealed a normal gait. He was able to walk on toes and heels as well as squat and arise from that position without difficulty. He was able to arise on his toes 10 times with either foot. No fasciculations were seen in upper or lower extremities. Upper extremity strengths were within normal limits on manual motor testing. However, dynamometer testing revealed 30 kg force on the left, and 25 kg on the right, averaged. Girths at his wrists and forearm muscles were equal. Reflexes were normal. Babinski was negative.
The results of today's screening electrodiagnostic studies are enclosed. He appears to have a Martin Gruber anastomosis on the right, and never conduction study values are within the normal limits. EMG in various muscles were generally normal, including the tongue. The only muscle in which some small fibrillation and positive sharp waves was seen was the right EDB muscle. One other fasciculation was seen on needle study.

He does have weaker muscles on the right, compared to the left, which is fairly unusual for a right-handed person. Especially for his age.

Thank you for your referral."


Problems are getting worse. Weakness is progressive. Should I pursue a neuro-muscular specialist. Or does this EMG pretty much rule out MND?

thanks A LOT.

 

[VibeTribe]

silly smiley face... to clarify - noticed problems August 08, EMG was done in April 09.

thanks.

 

[VibeTribe]

oh I also wanted to add that I just saw my family doctor who is now telling me that my right arm (my strong arm) is 2 cm smaller than left... which was seen as equal back at the EMG. Also, my reflexes on my right side are visibly brisker... he said "your right sided reflexes are out of the range of normal. they are very brisk... and asymmetrical briskness is not a good thing"

the EMG test was 3 months ago. how the change so fast?

 

[tms23]

Hi,
as I have heard, the EDB is not a meaningful muscle because it is an often injured muscle particularly at young people who do a lot sports.
And as I know, if you have ALS, they should have found more fibs, PSW in other limbs and also large MUAPs, which are missing in your report.
What is your age? It seems that you are young!?
Since when do you notice your fasciculations?

 

[VibeTribe]

I am 25 years old. I first noticed problems (weakness...and now muscle twitching in right foot, calf, and right hand...with some new ones on left leg) at 24. thanks for your response! any other responses would be much appreciated - unless people think that this is so ludicrous they put their little noses up at me! hope not!
thanks!

 

[awieleba]

HI,

I would go see a neuro muscular specialist. I think you will get more piece of mind and they deal with these things all the time.
Good luck to you.

april

 

[VibeTribe]

well I'm not really stressing over it that much. that's why I wanted to know if this EMG result clearly warrants a visit to the neuromuscular specialist, otherwise I couldn't be bothered. But if it does, then I'll definitely go... thanks for your opinion!

 

[Al]

Hi VibeTribe. The EMG doesn't jump out saying, get a second opinion. But, if you're concerned, get one at an ALS Clinic. If you can wait a few months, all the better. Something more definitive might show up then.

AL.

 

[VibeTribe]

Something more definitive might show up then.

AL.

I hope nothing definitive ever shows up haha!
All I was trying to ask is this: is this EMG indicative of ALS. That's all. I understand that people don't want to speculate on such matters. I respect this. Was hoping for more clear-cut answers. I just figured that since so many people on this forum have received EMG's (some diagnostic, others not)...but I guess I have to book an appointment at an "ALS Clinic" to find these answers - makes sense!

 

[VibeTribe]

oh, I also wanted to state that even though I didn't go to an ALS clincic, the person who did my EMG said that he was part of a neuro-muscular team in another hospital - and that he has seen many patients with ALS or worrying about ALS - was recommended to me by my fam doc!
thanks.
& darn, sorry for all of my posts. so many in so few time. I don't want to come off vain or conceited. love to all. if any other opinions are made, I'd soak em up, seriously. If not, it's all cool! I love this site, will be staying. Lots of good humor and interesting people. thanks.

 

[laurel]

Hi VibeTribe,
EMG testing results can be dependent on the skill of the tester. We learned that on our journey. Sounds like your GP has some concerns so it really would be best to go to a neuromuscular disorder clinic and get the testing done again. The phrasing in your report sounds rather vague, and not at all in detail that I am used to reading with those reports.
Laurel

 

[laurel]

Forgot to say we used to live in Trenton in the early 70's. Hubby was flying C130's in the military back then.
Laurel

 

[Zaphoon]

Laurel,

I've been a passenger on many a C130 during the 70's while stationed at Rota, Spain. Use to board them for Italy to pick up ships at Naples. Gotta love those web seats and box lunches! I could say a few things about the aircrew (like they could have used a pretty face or two - like Rose!).

Zaphoon

 

[VibeTribe]

was wondering if Wright wanted to chime in? You seem like the resident expert on things such as EMG/Nerve Conduction, etc.
would greatly appreciate the insight. I don't have an appointment to see a specialist until 3 months from now!

 

[wright]

Hey Vibe

I agree with what everyone else has told you, so I don't have too much to add. If you have any changes in your symptoms, let us know . . . and more importantly . . . let your doc know. Take care.