EMG Interpretation

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When is the EMG scheduled, Michael?
 
Just got back from UCI.

When I was taken back to the room, I was informed that a neuromuscular fellow would be doing the EMG, even though my doctor told me he was going to personally do it. My doctor came into the room when the EMG started and had to instruct the fellow how to insert the needle, when to tell me when to push against him, etc...

My symptoms are most prominent in the left leg and right arm but the EMG was only performed on my left side. I asked him why and the doctor said that if a patient had ALS for nearly three years, it would show anywhere on the body. Has anyone heard of this?

It was relatively quick and very minimal muscles were tested. Only my trapezius, deltoid, bicep, first dorsal interosseous, semimembranosus, tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius.

Interestingly, the radiculopathy that was detected by the first neurologist at the tibialis interior (L4-L5) in Nov 2020 was no longer there. It doesn't add up to me but I'm also not a doctor.

Anyway, he said that the test looks good but did not offer any alternative explanation for my symptoms. He told me I could pursue further with a general neurologist.
 
Congrats on no ALS. Since you're not a doctor, you have no place second guessing a professional since all the ones you have seen have said the same thing, no matter how competent or incompetent you have decided they are. This is now the 3rd or 4th time you've been told you don't have ALS, via EMGs, lack of symptoms, and no clinical issues; what more can it take? Please seek a professional to help you let go of chasing the ALS train.

Good luck to you
 
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That sounds like a perfectly adequate screening emg. When you go to a teaching hospital it is common to have supervised fellows doing emgs ( and fellows are MDs with 5 years of residency in neurology when they start and in June they are usually finishing a year even if it is their first fellowship year). Apparently your doctor feels he has ruled out a neuromuscular cause which is why he told you to follow up elsewhere. You were emged in symptomatic areas including the trapezius which screens bulbar. Rejoice
 
Your specialist neurologist was completely correct and the EMG was performed appropriately.
I am so glad to hear this news for you! Whatever path the doctors take now, coming back here will not help you a single bit, so we wish you a long life of recovery.
 
Fourth that. Life is too short not to take that result and run with it.
 
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