EMG/nerve conduction studies

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CTmom

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Anybody had these recently? I have developed foot drop in my left foot with no nurabness, tingling or pain. My Dr. wants these tests done before sending me for an MRI of the back.

He didn't tell me anything about them but I did do a little research on the internet. How painful did you find them? Everything I read says the're "uncomfortable" which doesn't really give me an idea. I'm okay with needles and am hoping the shocks are bearable since they're so quick but am still paranoid about the pain. Should I take a Valium or Tylenol before the procedure or is that overkill? (I would check with my Dr. before doing so, just want to see if those of you who have had it feel it is necessary.) Also, will I feel okay to return to work afterwarRAB? I am a teacher and on my feet all day. My Dr. said sure, no problem but I doubt he has had the procedure!

Thanks for the information!
 
I have had an EMG on two different times, one just the arms, and the second one both arms and legs, though the neurologist only did one leg, since it was becoming difficult. I can tolerate pain and discomfort fairly well, though I do think that sometimes it depenRAB on the neurologist performing the test. The first one I had was a woman, and I barely knew she was sticking me. The second was a man, and that one was more uncomfortable, but to be fair, my body was already in pain when I began the test. I have had worse medical procedures, to be honest. Once it is over, any pain caused by the test is over also. Just mentally prepare and realize that it will help to diagnose your condition, and you should be fine.
 
Hey CTmom,

I have had nerve conduction studies on both of my legs for my sciatica I was experiencing. He basically stuck some sharp needles into my legs, although, the initial prick is only slightly painful. If you think about it too much, you're likely to worsen the pain that you feel.

Don't worry, it's nothing. Just keep confident and don't feel anxious. A bit of small pain is only a tiny price to pay to get to the bigger problem at hand. Just think it this way.

You will be able to stand no-problem. It's not as big as you think it is.

It's fine, I'm a 16 year old male, and I went through it :).
 
I just went thru an EMG/Nerve Conduction Study about a week ago. I've been thru them before. To me they were uncomfortable. I had it done on my arms & legs. I was mentally prepared since I knew what they were like. I did it because I felt that it needed to be done to find out what was going on with me physically. Good luck.
 
Had my studies done today. Really not a problem at all - the anticipation was a thousand times worse! I found the first part with the electric shocks a little uncomfortable (especially the shocks to the nerve behind my knee) but it was definitely nothing I couldn't handle. And the needle part of the test was a breeze. He tested about 6-7 muscles with needle sticks and it really wasn't painful at all - definitely easier than a blood draw or having an IV put in.

I'd do it again without question - well, maybe not today! :) I'd equate it to the annoyance of having to have a cavity filled - a little creepy and uncomfortable but far from unbearable.

Now, the wait till next week to get the results and see what, if anything, they found about why I developed this foot drop problem.

Thanks for all the information and reassurance!
 
I had my latest one last week. I have never had them hurt before. This one did but truly it is nothing really painful. It was annoying, it was a sharp prick, the nerve ached and then it was done and then on to the next location. I had a little drop of blood. The electrical one was no big deal. Of all the different tests and probing I have had done, this was nothing.
 
Glad your ENG went well. I had one before and I couldn't finish it so I have to go back again to a different hospital because I think the Fellow Dr. not the Neurologist was sticking the needles in me. I hope it's not so bad next time for me like it was for you. Thanks for sharing.
 
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