Dirty EMG

[Lasx]

Hey there,

I posted here previously, but those threads were closed - if a mod can add them here I'd be great.

I had another EMG today due to ongoing symptoms after the initial two ones over the first month and a half that were clean.

This one, done a month later, showed positive sharp waves and fibs in my right deltoid only. I am attaching the picture of the study:

Now, the deltoid was clean when it was looked at one month ago, but now shows "positive waves and fibrilations stage 1" whatever that means, translating from my language. However, this occurred after a manual therapy / chiropractor adjustment of my neck a week prior to the EMG. When I told the EMG neuro about it, she said it's most likely from this (I'm not sure if possible?) and she said it is most likely nerve root irritation within the cervical spine.

The conclusion, translated, reads:

Examined : Right Orbicularis Oris, Right Deltoid, Left Deltoid, Biceps Brachii, right Brachioradialis, right Abductor Policis Brevis, right Interosseus, right Vastus lateralis, right Tibialis anterior, left Tibialis anterior.

"At peace from right deltoid dex are observed positive waves and fibrilations stage 1. From the rest of the examined bulbar, proximal and distal muscles there is not dennervation activity. MuP are within normal limits during tensing of the muscle." The rest is about the NCS so I imagine it's not important.

Can I get some opinions on this? The ongoing symptoms have really freaked me out, and this right now has been the lid of it.

As always, thank you in advance for your valuable time.

 

[lgelb]

Previous thread.

Yes, her theory is possible. More to the point, if I had ongoing symptoms with clean/unconcerning EMGs and no detriment in strength, I would be in the hands of a qualified physio, referred by a qualified physician, not a chiro.

Still not seeing/hearing anything to get amped up in re ALS. If you want to feel better, I'd look at PT and spend the time/$ there.

 

[Lasx]

I take it the findings are not specific to ALS and can be found in spinal issues? This got my really worried frankly, could it be progression?

 

[affected]

These results have nothing to do with ALS, so I'm really pleased to be able to say that no, this is not progression.
As already mentioned, a qualified physio can probably help you a lot.
All the best, this is great news!

 

[lgelb]

You take it right. This isn't "progression." It's a sign to do something besides take EMG slots that someone else needs more.

The wrong kind of traction/stretching/pounding/twisting of the spine causes thousands of injuries/exacerbations every year. And if you have a mild disk problem, say, screwing around can make it worse, no question.

When you've had problems for a while, serial EMGs, are systemically sound (no loss of strength/function, alarm bells like unintended weight loss, falls, fails), an EMG only showing some kind of localized damage has nothing to do with ALS. The important thing, there are ways to make it better and you are probably doing none of them. Hanging out here is not going to help at all. Go find out what will.

 

[Lasx]

Thank you. I have an ALS specialist visit in January. He wants to do his own EMG so that will probably be it.

 

[Lasx]

Update - had a neck MRI which showed 2 protrusions and several bulging discs + degenerative changes in my neck. Neuro seems to think it's plausible explanation for the EMG result in the deltoid even if on the MRI the bulging discs don't seem to be directly impacting the nerves (which worries me).

I have had a whole bunch of mucus that I can't clear in throat since a month now together with issues swallowing food. It has been horrible. And this EMG just freaked me out. Doctors keep saying no ALS but I'm pretty much losing hope

I can't shake off the feeling this is EMG progression together with all other symptoms I am having. Is it possible for the EMG changes to start from one muscle only when we are talking about ALS? Does it have a specific pattern which isn't seen on this EMG?

When all of this clears up one way or another, I'll be make sure to post a big update of yes ALS / not als here for other people who visit this forum and are in similar situation.

Thank you and happy holidays.

 

[Nikki J]

Before you had a suspicious MRI you were told we did not think your emg worrisome. Now you have an MRI supporting a diagnosis of a neck problem that only adds weight to the no ALS conclusions

 

[Lasx]

Before you had a suspicious MRI you were told we did not think your emg worrisome. Now you have an MRI supporting a diagnosis of a neck problem that only adds weight to the no ALS conclusions

I really hope so Nikki, I'm just at a loss at the moment.

Waiting to see an ALS specialist in January basically who also previously said no ALS, but agreed to see me again and do his own EMG and have a final say on the matter. Just all these symptoms are piling up.. I can't even enjoy christmas.

Twitching like crazy on the face as well now and all of this. I hope you all are having a nice night before christmas.

 

[Bestfriends14]

You don't have ALS and have several pieces of medical evidence to back that up. YOU enjoy Christmas because you have your health. Despite having ALS, my husband (PALS) will also enjoy Christmas because life is too short not to and my husband does not pity himself. It's up to you whether you enjoy this holiday season and it's also up to you if you actually want to believe the medical professionals and the folks of this forum that you do not have ALS. Not a single sign of it.

Merry Christmas

 

[Lasx]

Thank you for the reassurance. When I'm 100% cleared (if) I will devote a donation to this forum monthly and will do all I can to help and serve people with ALS.

I will update this in January. If I am cleared my journey will be invaluable to people with ALS anxiety posting on DIHALS.

And merry Christmas to all of you!

 

[lgelb]

You actually have been cleared of ALS already -- there is no "if." And the best way to respond to that awesome news is not by going back to an ALS specialist who already cleared you.

As to your most recent questions, we have already explained why there is nothing to fear in your EMG.

Most rational people would suggest consulting an orthopod in re your spine, toward a PT eval and likely some symptom relief. If you don't feel up to that, you will best help yourself by seeking treatment for health anxiety.

I am closing this thread. Please do not start another.