Are EMGs painful

[BethU]

It may depend on the machine that's used, too. My first EMG looked like a relic, compared to the equipment they used at the university clinic. The private-practice neuro wheeled out this contraption that looked like an old switchboard (if anybody still knows what those look like ), and it felt like he was sticking knives in me, rather than needles. They were much heavier needles, and the procedure was much more uncomfortable than the later one.

I imagine that the machines are hugely expensive, and probably private-practice neuros don't invest in new equipment very often. Especially something that is used to diagnosed rare diseases.

 

[ladyk]

Thanks

I logged on here today to find out this exact info! I was hoping there was some discussion about it. I'm scheduled for EMG on Nov 3rd and am nervous. Thanks to everybody sharing their experiences with it. Karen

 

[Zaphoon]

Ladyk,

One thing we didn't mention in this thread is that when they do the NCV and EMG, you are in one of those paper gown things. They let you keep your skivvies on, though. You might want to wear granny types.

The doc just needs to have access to a lot of different muscle groups and clothes get in the way.

Zaphoon

 

[Sammantha]

You should wear a thong and give him a show! He is probably used to only seeing the granny type underwear anyways! Just a thought,,,,Sammantha

 

[jennibf]

That's hilarious.....the panties thing. I think I will settle for something in between the granny panties and the thong...bikini undies but I seriously need a pedicure

 

[rose]

Pedicures seriously are a good idea, because the tech will be up close and personal with your feet (plus it's an awesome excuse to get one)...


I think you can stay covered up just fine, that was just some silliness. If you're feeling cold, let them know, because the NCV results can be skewed if you are.

 

[GlenBrittle]

I agree , ladies , wear a bikini .

My next appointment will have me wearing shorts. Those gowns are only meant to frustrate and freeze you. Better to be comfortable than worrying about the damn thing falling aside.

 

[patricia1]

Hi
I had at least 6 EMGs Its all in the way they are done, some are more uncomfortable then others ,but I wouldnt say they were painful.
Dont wear creams or lotions mn should wear gyn shorts and woman whould wear shorts sleeveless shirt. and bring a jacket or sweater to wear before while waiting .Its cool in the labs

Good luck
Pat

 

[happy]

Well, I have only had two and it seems the pain factor was different with both. When they did my legs the pain was tolerable, my wrists and forearms hurt. But when they stuck the needle in the back of my neck at the base of my skull I howeled like a dog. It hurt bad! :roll: I guess I'm a wimp.
Oh and my Neuro suggested to me to wear a bikini...I did cuz I think he's cute. may as well have a little fun in the process!

 

[patricia1]

You Go Girl!:mrgreen:

 

[Allnycole]

I must say this may be the most intersting helpful post(s) I have come across. I have to comment and I have to ask.

First my comment. I seriously wonder if the amount of pain has to do with how progressively affected you are by the ALS. The one post (sorry don't remember who you were) you commented on the first two times for the EMG not being bad and the third being extremely painful. Were you progressively worse? And, can any others of you comment on taking the test multiple times and any differences and the progression of the disease? The reason I am so interested is because I may be going to Atlanta to participate in research with familial ALS and I believe this test is on the list. My experience from family is that this test is EXTREMELY painful. I say that having three very close family members having had it and one of those was my father who had an unusually high tolerance for pain (and I do me insanely high threshold.....when he was in his early 20's he had magets cut out of his arm that the hospital casted with out any medication to numb it because they couldn't). Anyone I would love to have your thoughts.

Also, I'm wondering what is the ncv? As I said I think there is quite a list of tests on the schedule for the research program.

Thanks for sharing!

 

[brooksea]

This is from Spine Universe website:

"Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) and Electromyography (EMG) are tests your doctor may order to measure nerve conduction and muscle action potential. These tests are performed to determine if symptoms (e.g. sciatica, weakness) are caused by a nerve or muscle disorder. Both tests may be performed.

A NCV assesses how well a specific nerve conducts impulses by evaluating the speed of an impulse as it travels along a nerve. This test can help determine if there is nerve damage, the extent of the damage and if nerves have been destroyed.
Test Preparation and Performance

The patient may lie down or sit during the test. Normal body temperature is important. Low or high body temperature affects normal nerve conduction.

Patch-like electrodes, similar to those used during an electrocardiogram, are affixed on the skin at various nerve locations. A probe held against the skin emits a very low electrical impulse to stimulate the nerve. The electrodes measure the speed of the impulse as it travels from point A to B. Nerve activity is recorded on a CRT screen.
Discomfort and Risks

It is extremely unusual to experience significant pain or discomfort from this test. There are no risks."

Hope that helps.

 

[Sammantha]

My first EMG was the abnormal one with psw's fibs' and facics..... I never saw the report of the other two but was told they were okay even though both lasted three hours. My first the NCV is where they shock you and measure your nerve velocity. It hurts but is tolerable, they have to really amp mine up and do it over and over because my limbs are so cold no matter what. They will recognize that and put heated pads over your hands/arms/legs what not. It when they say okay we are going to turn it up some and do a bunch of shocks is when i ALMOST lose my cool.... But its okay. The needles the first time felt just like a tiny sting and the pain went away immediately. They were not expecting to find anything so they did not mess with the needles, like jiggle them and such. My second EMG the shock part felt the same, tolerable. The needle part hurt a little more because they used a special needle on my left arm because of something they found and they kept testing it over and over. NOW my third i was like i dont mind the muscle part its the nerve part i dont like and the tech said usually people do not like the muscle part. Well it stung so bad i thought that maybe the alcohol on the needle was different and that is why it was so painful, it really hurt and stung. Just when the pain would calm down he would jiggle the stupid thing and that would make the pain come back.... I was yelping and laughing at the same time. He would jiggle the needle and i would holler then laugh at myself..... The poor guy must of thought i was insane. When he moved on to my thigh muscles it was so bad my reaction was to hit his hand, but i didn't. Then he said i think i will use the pediatric needle. I said, so you think i am a big baby! He goes no, its thinner and might not hurt as bad.. I said i am just joking, i like to mess with people. Then i said please give me the baby needle, because i am a big baby! Those needles did not hurt as much. It almost reminds me of childbirth that in the sense my first child the pain was not that bad and the next was horrible and if i were to have a third i would have to be knocked out because i would be so tense from knowing the pain in store........ Everyone is different....

 

[rose]

Allnycole......

I do not think that the progression if there is motor neruon, disease would make an EMG more painful. There is no correlation as ALS is not a sensory disease, and if it were, there would be less sensors at it progressed.

I did not find the test to be particularly painful, its definitely NOT something to lose any sleep over. The needles are tiny.


The EMG of my vocal cords was the most difficult, but the second time around was not so bad, and I think the first time was largely due to anxiety and not knowing what to expect.

I can't tel by your screen name if your a man or woman, but trust me, if you're a woman, we go through lots of stuff that is more painful.... plucking eyebrows, waxing.....

The NCV stands for Nerve Conduction Velocity . Electrode patches, , similar to those used during an EKG, are stuck on the skin . A probe held against the skin emits a very low electrical impulse to stimulate the nerve. The electrodes measure the speed of the impulse as it travels from point A to B.

The techncican will have a tape measure, and measure between specific points. When I had it done, there was a warming light, and it was placed over any limbs that felt cold, but I don't think they do that everywhere, that's why the comments about letting them know if you feel cold, because you know how cold some of those rooms can feel.

take care

 

[Sammantha]

The irony of all of this is......................... the more painful and longer the EMG the more they would tell me everything is fine... and yes i had progressive symptoms and was worse with each one, that is why they kept ordering them.......... but i am a doctor's nightmare because they cant diagnose me but they cant pretend like nothing is wrong.. Sometimes i seriously think my body is messing with me like my mind and body are on two different pages.