EMG...anyone have one? My happy update!

Evidently, I have a situation sort of like carpal tunnel, but involving a different nerve--the ulnar nerve. The nerve could be entrapped or possibly popping in and out of its place in the elbow. It's a lot of fun.

I am scheduled to have this test done on the 16th (as well as a dynamic ultrasound on the 18th). I'd be glad to hear of your experiences with this. I'll be back on tonight after a couple of glasses of wine to read the responses.

ETA...I just read the "related topics" and

ETA again:
Jeez...this is why I should never read the internet!

Well, after being terrorized for two weeks over this, the day was yesterday. I had electrodes placed at different points of both arms (even though just one arm is affected) and then I was amped up. Then I had a brief test with needles. For me it was so not bad at all. I mean, getting shocked about 30 times is not my idea of fun, but it did not hurt--just an uncomfortable situation. The needle situation...even better. There was no electricity hooked up to the needles. I got about three of them and I felt less than I would during a blood test...very tiny needles.

Thank you both for your replies!!

Message edited 11/17/2009 8:50:07 PM.

Re: EMG...anyone have one?

i had the EMG test done and it was determined i had ulnar neuropathy. basically the nerve impulses travelled at different speeds over the top and bottom of the nerve, causing tingling and numbness in my fingers.

the EMG sounds worse than it is. they put electrodes on your arms and hands. then send electrcal electrical stimuli into different areas. they'll do both arms to verify there is a difference between one to the other (at least thats how they did mine) its a little uncomfortable, but not that bad. anticipation is worse than the actual test. the only hard part, is the electrical stimuli cause the tingling to get worse. (and it lasted for a couple of hours afterward)

its really not that bad. and its quick. the whole thing took maybe 15 or 20 minutes tops.

of course in my case, they labeled the problem, but never did find a cause for it. i was told to not bend my arm past like 90 degrees... the less i bent my arm up squishing the nerve basically, the better chance i would have for it to correct itself. had a brace to wear at night if i needed it, to keep from bending the arm. took a couple of months, but the tingling and numbness finally faded away. i just have to make sure i don't have my arm curled up tight for too long, because that can start the tingling in my fingers, although now its just temporary.

hth

Re: EMG...anyone have one?

there are 2 kinds: surface and needle. I've had both. Surface is uncomfortable. A strong electrical impulse sent to the muscle. The needle is painful as he!! but i'ts only short bursts. They place the needle in different muscles along the nerve distribution to figure out where/what the problem is.

The good news is that it's fast. Best wishes

Re: EMG...anyone have one? My happy update!

Just wanted to update at top for my experience. Especially if someone's searching for some positive feedback on emgs in the future.

Hopefully, I'll be on my way to recovery soon!