New muscle symptoms onset with dizziness

[capricorn86]

So I had my EMG/NCS test done. I am still waiting for the full report with statistics, but my clinic letter sent to GP has the below outline.

My lower right leg/shin is where my discomfort/weakness mostly is. It says occasional polyphasic units noted. What does this mean? I am about 3.5 months since symptom onset/complaints.

EMG Studies Right and left tibialis anterior: No spontaneous activity, on volition motor unit potentials mostly normal, rare polyphasic units noted, interference pattern full.

Right and left gastrocnemius: No spontaneous activity, on volition motor unit potentials mostly normal, occasional polyphasic units noted, interference pattern full.

Right vastus medialis: No spontaneous activity, on volition motor unit potentials mostly normal, interference pattern full.

 

[Nikki J]

They are a normal variant. Your emg shows no sign of ALS or any other worrisome disease

 

[capricorn86]

Here are screenshots from my full medical EMG/NCS.

Does anyone have a chart of what normal limits are, as I would like to understand my numbers vs normal baselines?

Like we do when we interpret our blood results?

For e.g, occasional polyphastic units noted in my right shin area (where my major complaints are) could be nerve/muscle damage early onset from what I see online? My concern like 100's of others here is, have I tested so early that nothing more has really shown other then below for now? My symptoms started on 14-Aug-2024, and it is now 27-Nov-2024 so I'm only just over 3 months since start of symptoms.

When I said this to my neurologist, he somewhat agreed and said people have had normal emg's and then paralysed a year later due to muscle deterioration so he left the referral open ended and just agreed to do a few more blood checks on me which we presume will come back normal. Kinda scared me rather then reassured me to be honest.

I have seen youtube blogs of als patients who complain of balance issues before weakness/foot dropping etc.

 

[Nikki J]

First all those numbers are nerve conduction looking for things that are not ALS. https://www.aanem.org/docs/default-source/documents/aanem/practice/ndtf-chart.pdf?sfvrsn=6477b18e_0

Your emg is normal. If it is any reassurance 7 weeks after the tiniest symptom when I really believed I was fine my emg for a genetic study was abnormal and showed issues not only where I had slight weakness but in surrounding muscles. And I am extremely slow progressing. Sounds like your doctor is covering themselves

 

[lgelb]

100% reread what Nikki wrote. Your doctor is responding to your anxiety, not your results or exams. You might ask about a sleep study, though.

Your EMG is not too early, and you would be doing your mental health a huge favor to stay off YouTube or any other channel relative to ALS. If you cannot move past these fears, please seek counseling.

 

[capricorn86]

Why did you suggest a sleep study? In the UK I'm not sure we have these studies available on the NHS. Do you say sleep study in case my o2 is dropping at night that could cause leg symptoms?

I am a generally bad sleeper and have been for about 15 years.

 

[lgelb]

I suggested a sleep study because you reported "weird muscle twitches at rest," which can be a sign of Restless Leg Syndrome or another movement disorder, which manifests primarily in sleep but can also affect your day. These kinds of twitches may feel better or disappear when you move after lying down in bed or being still.

You describe yourself as a bad sleeper, so apnea or another breathing disorder might play in.

In the US, don't know re the UK, people can orders for at-home studies via telehealth and pay in cash.

A Fitbit or other wearable that reports % movement during sleep could also be helpful as a first screen. Your wife can also report on what you look like in sleep, or you can video it. Meanwhile, try to avoid food, alcohol, stress, etc. before sleep (I'm sure that's not easy with two kids, but...)