Had EMG, but it seemed limited.

Status
Not open for further replies.

Chief41

New member
Joined
May 11, 2020
Messages
6
Reason
Learn about ALS
Diagnosis
00/0000
Country
US
State
IL
City
Chicago
Hello,

I woke up with numbness in both of my hands about 6 weeks ago, in my ring and pinky finger. It slowly got better, with my left hand taking longer to regain feeling. A neurologist asked me to have an EMG if I hadn’t fully recovered, and to give me some relief.

I had that EMG a week ago, and everything came back as normal. The physical exam was also normal. The EMG was conducted on both arms, and he inserted the needle into 5 spots on each arm: near rotator cuff, biceps, triceps, top of forearm, and the top muscle between index and thumb.

I told him I had some twitches that would come and go in various places. Quick little pops that would happen for a few seconds.
Sometimes a place would be lasting a day, and then go away. Biceps, side of head, etc.
I also mentioned to him that my left thumb was twitching after strenuous movement. But that would go away after I stretched it. I’ve also noticed a small reduction of dexterity and strength in my left thumb.

I asked him specifically if I had any signs of nerve damage or disease and he said no. He mentioned I may have some very slight median nerve compression that would be too slight to detect. I asked if I had ALS and he also says no.

Could his exam have been too limited? I’m concerned because he didn’t put a needle at the base of my thumb and that he may have missed something.
 
Hi there,

Please have a read here: Important - READ BEFORE POSTING! Answers to common concerns about possible symptoms
It covers all of what you've mentioned here.

We get so many people here worried about if an emg is too soon, not in the right place, etc- neurologists know their stuff. They go to school for years to become doctors, with additional years for their specialty, and can assess neurological damage quite quickly based on subtle responses to stimuli during a physical exam. Strangers on the internet will not contradict what a specialist says, particularly as the specialist has seen you in person and provided you an exam and an EMG.

That's really great news, and it means an ALS forum is not the place for you. I hope you are able to accept the results a specialist has given you and are able to move on.

All the best
 
An EMG in 5 areas is actually pretty extensive. If any abnormalities had turned up, they might have looked at additional areas. But with a normal physical exam and normal EMG, ALS is ruled out. You’re good to go.
 
If you woke up with numbness in certain fingers in both hands, dollars to doughnuts, your positioning at night leaves something to be desired. That would be my first move. You can video yourself sleeping.
 
Thank you all for your responses. I’m going through a tough time and losing my dad suddenly to Colon Cancer. The symptoms all started the night after I found out.

I’m currently in hospice and he’s starting to make his transition. I just wish my left hand would feel normal. Stop twitching. In the thumb. Stop twitching on the top of my palm. It’s taking me out of the moment.

Much love to everyone on this forum. I appreciate your time.
 
Very sorry about your dad and wish you both peace. Just remember, your mind controls how you are in the moment, not your twitches. And your mind is very strong.

Best,
Laurie
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top