Why do a EMG before spinal surgery?

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ms_west

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Yes you read that right. I won't repeat all the everything but you can read here if you like http://www.healtrabroadoarRAB.com/boarRAB/showthread.php?p=3716492#post3716492

Or I can give you a quickie update here. I might be heading back to the OR again for a revision including an additional level being fused. They will remove all hardware and do a 3 level fusion. They will be doing a revision on s1/s2, revision on L5/s1 and fusing L4.

Okay now to my question - why do an EMG before spinal surgery? I am reading but really confused. It looks like to check for an underlying disease such as ALS/MG or nerve root problem.

What is the accuracy of this test? I talked to another spinal patient and they told me that they had multiple tests done in a 5 month period and got different answers by different doctors.

I hear it is painful but I am going to think positively that it can't be that bad considering what I have been thru.

Thanks in advance for your responses. I really appreciate them.
 
Oh wow Diet.. my thoughts are with you gal. You've been thru the wringer, but maybe this is the one that will end your suffering.

I've not had the EMG test, but can't imagine it being any worse than the discogram I endured before my surgery. It was horrrific pain, but worth every bit to find the source of my pain.

I agree with your thoughts and go for the EMG with that same thought process.

Better days are ahead!:)
 
Diet,

I have had 2 EMG and NCS done and they really are not that bad. They do sting, because you will be poked in various places with VERY FINE needles. They are not much thicker than a hair and really do not leave much trace, although one pierced a blood vessel so I got a nice bruise. On the first one, before anyone knew how much was wrong, I was tested on both legs and up to my spine.

This last test just before my recent surgery was to determine what nerve damage was permanent and to find any new damage. There was new damage occurring at the nerve root between L2 & L3 (dermatome chart it followed) that is why the surgeon had to go up an additional level and do a partial laminectomy and foramenectomy.

Don't fret about the test, it can tell your surgeon a lot. I hope and pray that if the 3 level fusion is necessary, you have tremendous relief of your pain. You deserve it!
 
Hello Pepper,

I assume they just want to be sure they are operating on the right levels, and not just depending on imaging results, or whatever.

I just had an EMG and nerve conduction study done yesterday. I do not have the official results yet, but I could tell the neurologist was not finding the results that corresponded with what the MRI, operating report and other medical recorRAB showed him. I had a PLIF at L4-5 in Jan. which was very successful...but then I developed a new pain that also keeps me from walking any distance. The physical therapist felt sure it was a problem at L3. Even my surgeon said I had some foramenal stenosis at L-3 that might be causing the problem. I also thought I had peripheral neuropathy in my feet...since 2001.

The neurologist kept testing my left leg, several times over. Finally when all was finished I could see he was very perplexed. He kept looking at the results and first told me there was NO evidence of neuropathy. Then he told me I did have nerve damage, but not at L4-5 which had been compressed for over 3 years before my fusion, but at L5-S1...and, the L3 is just perfectly normal. So I am dying to talk to my surgeon and learn what he thinks about these results.

My surgeon operated on me based only on my x-rays and MRIs. Now I wonder if it was the correct location!!

You'll have the data to KNOW that your surgeon is doing the very best for you!!

I'll go back and read your older thread. I didn't know you were facing more surgery...and will certainly pray for a successful outcome.

xx M:wave:M
 
Hey Pepper,
I've not had a disco but I have had 2 EMG's. They are not all that bad. The needles are very small...I found the pain to be when they were actually "testing" the nerve. My results were consistent each time...permanent nerve damage at L5-S1. My guess is that they want documentation of where you may have already suffered nerve damage and to help guide them in surgery.
When will you find out if another surgery is in your future? Pepper, you are such a strong soul!!

Deb
 
Deb, depending on the results of this test - We are ruling out other nerve diseases/problems,. We will then discuss my options in detail and order another myleogram. I may insist on discogram so I am suspecting it will be the Noveraber/Deceraber time frame if I move forward with it. I am a little scared at this poiont and need to sort everything out. I am scared of another surgery and things not getting better. I think it would make me devastated if things did not work this time. I am tired of going thru these major surgeries.
 
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