Difference in EMG and Nerve Conduction Study results

[AfraidButNotAlone]

What is dihals? Just curious. I'm sure it has something to do with anxiety stricken individuals

Yes it usually does.

 

[MaxEidswick]

>>I'm sure it has something to do with anxiety stricken individuals
>Yes it usually does.

-- I wonder what the DIHALS stats really are ... 1:100? 1:500? 1:1000? I would guess more like 1:50 ...

 

[Clearwater AL]

Max... one in fifty? I frequent a casino often, know a little about odds. I'd say the DIHALS section 'odds out' at about one in three. I'd even lean towards one in two some weeks. Some of these folks should never play poker... they'd chase a single Ace in the hole with none in the Flop all the way to the River. They just don't know when to fold and move on with their lives.

CC Anxiety

 

[Nikki J]

Think you gentleman are discussing different odds? Max did you mean the odds of someone who is asking actually having ALS or another MND? They are certainly very high if history is any judge. The vast majority of members here who have or represent someone with an MND did NOT post before they were at least provisionally diagnosed. (I know my stats look like I did but I joined after my sister was diagnosed for her not for myself). I would put it at less than 1 in a 1000 at least in number of posts. Those who actually end up with an MND seem to post here only once or twice

 

[Clearwater AL]

Nikki J, my reply was concerning anxiety. I did write somewhat in jest but this DIHALS Forum has had a heavy run of those overwhelmed with anxiety issues and not ALS or MNDs. Maybe not so much their fault due to the internet but... there has been more than a fair share who will not accept their problem really being anxiety related. But, the "Those who actually end up with an MND seem to post here only once or twice" might need a little clarity. There are several members who have been diagnosed that have 500 posts, 1000 posts and 2000+ posts and post here frequently.

 

[Nikki J]

I mean posting before you are diagnosed asking questions for yourself or your family member. I have posted here almost all replies, never a question about my symptoms or my sister's And before she got the definitive diagnosis I only lurked never joined. Of course diagnosed members post here to try to help. But who is here who posted about their symptoms and then got diagnosed? A handful of people I think. I can only name 2 although I am sure there are a couple more
Sorry I was unclear

 

[Clearwater AL]

No, I apologize... I re-read your reply again and "I got" what you were saying. Sometimes my reading comprehension flutters.

 

[Merepage]

First, I truly appreciate all of your responses and know that you all are dealing with so much, but this is not anxiety. I have no history of anxiety. During the past 2 plus years, never one high blood pressure reading at any dr, no crying, no emotional breakdowns, no Xanax.. I continue to raise 4 boys, I love life, we are financially stable, good husband, and continue to work selling medical software for 25 years. I seriously have no reason to worry about anything. I just don't physically feel good and want my life back. I successfully fake feeling well everyday and my 4 kids have no idea that I am feeling so poorly.. I doubt I could get away with that for almost 3 yrs with severe anxiety etc ..I will not be able to fake much longer...I can barely raise my arms at this point.

It is just so frustrating to be labeled with anxiety etc when no other cause is found....But I get why you all say NO Als.. And I believe that 75% of the time. I will eventually get a diagnosis in additional to carpal tunnel, crazy floaters, perceived weakness, chronic head pressure, fasculations bodywide....Lyme in 2009 so probably post Lyme syndrome or chronic lyme but where does it end? Lets make a deal..I will believe its not ALS if you believe me that it is not anxiety Thanks for listening and I pray for you all everyday..

 

[Merepage]

One lasts question if you don't mind (my original one)... Do both the EMG and NCS need to be "clean" to dismiss ALS? Or is the clean EMG alone enough? Thanks

 

[Clearwater AL]

Not saying you have anxiety but...

Merepage, anxiety can be insidious (sly in its effect) and it can come from a subconscious fear of failure or a fear of some unknown future misfortune (losing a well paying job) such as you wrote ("I continue to raise 4 boys, I love life, we are financially stable, good husband, and continue to work selling medical software for 25 years. I seriously have no reason to worry about anything."). It happens often to those who are well off (financially), seemingly happy, feel as though they have a good marriage and their children are achieving their goals. Great, things couldn't be better! But, sometimes it can be anxiety (nagging the subconscious) with the "This is too good to be true... something is gonna happen... I just know it." And... it does... it shows up as physical symptoms.

You also wrote, ("I doubt I could get away with that for almost 3 yrs with severe anxiety etc.") Oh yea, anxiety can plague a person for years and for some for a life time if untreated.

Ok, no one but a doctor would know if your symptoms are anxiety related. Don't be reluctant to talk to a doctor about it. There is no shame or disgrace dealing with anxiety. Have a doctor scratch anxiety denial off the list. Hey, it's vogue today, many successful people have a "Therapist."

 

[MaxEidswick]

>anxiety can be insidious (sly in its effect)

yup. by 6 pm I cannot swallow. Klonopin/Clonazepam, 3 hrs later I can get down 700 cals of choc milk smoothie

 

[Dusty7]

Merepage, NCS is used to rule out (or in) other disorders. An EMG is used to look for evidence of widespread denervation and chronic reinervation, the signs of ALS.

In your case, it seems the NCS ruled in CTS and the EMG did not find evidence of widespread denervation and chronic reinervation. In other words the NCS explains your symptoms and the EMG indicates ALS is not on the table.