EMG Results

[lyz1838]

Hi - i have posted on this thread before in the past regarding atrophy in my thumb. My left thenar muscle is significantly smaller than my right. To a point my neuromuscular dr I have been seeing is stumpted because my EMG results keep coming back negative. I still have function of my hand but I have clinical atrophy in palm and left thenar. They are having me repeat the test in 4 months.

I truely don’t understand the EMG test. What are others experience with EMG results? I would think if there is clear atrophy from a motor neuron disease then it would show up on the test. But I have heard you could test too early.

 

[Nikki J]

Last thread here Thumb Atrophy

if your atrophy was due to ALS then it should have showed. This has been going on for 2.5 years. Too early isn’t a concern anyway but 2.5 years? A significant percentage of PALS are dead in that time

 

[lyz1838]

I understand, I am just trying to understand how an EMG test works. My neurologist was surprised by the atrophy and normal results. I wasn’t sure if other people has similar experiences with an EMG.

 

[Bestfriends14]

I am surprised that after 2.5 years, no loss of function, and several clean EMGs, you have not started to purse another path. From your old picture, you do not have atrophy (not ALS atrophy, anyway). As I am sure you are aware, atrophy happens AFTER you lose function of a muscle group. What have you lost function of? Not "when I do some thing I feel tired"; that is not loss of function. So, what can you no longer do that makes you sure you have a dying muscle group because you no longer use it i.e. atrophy? In 2.5 years, my husband has lost the ability to walk, feed, toilet, and dress himself, he is on non-invasive ventilation for 20 + hours a day, and he is losing his speech. Is this disease you want to keep chasing?

Note-Correction, you have been on this site for 4.5 years and have a diagnosis of PN. As I asked you two years ago, If you already have a diagnosis, why are you asking questions of terminally ill members on an ALS forum?

 

[affected]

Please make another appointment with your doctor and have your hand examined with an explanation of how atrophy works from the doctor. That is the most helpful answer you will get as we can't begin a medical class here. None of us are doctors, so it would be even less appropriate for us to begin a discussion of that out of context with your non-ALS case.
I hope you can get help for the true issue and find peace in this soon.

 

[lgelb]

Years with atrophy and normal function, a PN dx, normal EMGs... you have absolutely no reason to be here except for a fear you can address with a professional.

 

[lyz1838]

the atrophy really became pronounced this June. I have noticed subtle changes prior but ever since June MG left hand is significantly smaller. I can’t use a stapler. Sorry if I have offended you all just really asking about how EMG worked or how other people processes to a diagnosis has been when it comes to EMG tests. I have heard, even by my doctor that you can test too soon.

And I do understand how atrophy works - your muscle shrinks. And that is what I am experiencing. I’m definitely not crazy and I hate how women seeking diagnosis are labeled as crazy and need to seek professional help. I know I have had changes in my body and doing what I can do to get answers

 

[Bestfriends14]

Nope, not ALS atrophy, and not ALS.

Take good care and good luck to you in your life.

 

[ShiftKicker]

Hi there-

You are not being labelled "crazy". You are just not showing signs of ALS, according to the specialists, tests and symptoms. It is clear you are experiencing anxiety about your hand (which is entirely reasonable), however, your search for answers on this forum over the years does indicate a focus that is not appropriate. No one here is discounting your symptoms, only that this forum is not the place for you. You absolutely deserve support while you search for answers- while this forum is not the place for that, there are many resources available, but you need to ask your doctor or visit other sites for that.

 

[Clearwater AL]

Lyz1838, I am very familiar with left hand atrophy (Spilt Hand Syndrome).
It's the muscle between your thumb and first finger that atrophy begins first.
In the left picture you have cupped your hand... typical. In the right
picture your thumb and that muscle looks normal.

A lot also depends if you are right or left handed.

I agree... there is no reason to follow this Forum. And as I have written to
others staying on the Forum reading old threads where you might find
something to keep your suspicion is not good and won't help.

There's one girl/lady who's thread was closed and told not to post again
because she does not have ALS is still on the Forum everday reading old
threads going back to 2008, 2012, 2015 and more. For what?

Please don't do that. There is help for you elsewhere

I hope you can move on from ALS.

 

[affected]

Oh no one here has even thought of hinting that you are crazy.
We have however, said repeatedly, that photos don't help.
1. we are not doctors and 2. you need your hand examined as I can make my hand look like that if I position it for the photo.
Please, work with your doctor, we are done.