Question 1

are emg's painful? endocrinologist warned me that it would be very painful

Accepted Answer

Most likely not: Most people experience some discomfort with electrical stimulation (nerve conduction part) and also with the pin (needle) insertion (electromyography part). 
Rarely, some patients (in my experience less than 2%) experience more than discomfort and can not tolerate the study properly.  The study is then best aborted by common  agreement between the patient and the examining physician.

Question 2

is an emg test painful?

Accepted Answer

Uncomfortable: Like a lot of medical tests emgs are not fun. I tell patients there will be some discomfort but it should be tolerable and not last too long.

Question 3

index and middle finger numb. emg normal.  tricep painful when i push betwen tricep and bicep have numbness from there down arm to fingers.?

Accepted Answer

Could be C7 nerve: Tricep pain and pain in the index/middle fingers follow the C7 nerve and the EMG may have been performed too early to detect the problem.  You should still have your dr. Get an MRI and look for C7 nerve root problems.  If the MRI is negative but the pain persists, you may need a myelogram with post-myelogram ct of the cervical spine to look for abnormalities.  A neurosurgeon should be able to help.

Question 4

how painful is an emg (electromyogram) test?

Accepted Answer

Mild?: Emg needles vary in size; the monopolar needles quite small, even close to acupuncture size, and the coaxial needles quite larger in comparison.  Any size needle may leave a small painful bruise.  The electrical shocks will make a limb jump, and may be irritating.  Thus, pain may be secondary to choice of technique, but also, due to anxiety level in the patient.  Pain usually mild, well tolerated.

Question 5

how painful in an emg? what can it be compared to? taking blood? an iv? worse?  i need the honest truth because i'm so scared.  please be up front...

Accepted Answer

I've never had one: I've never had one so can't tell you what it feels like.  I'm sure you know that each person handles pain differently.  However, I've sent children through the elderly to get EMG's and they've done well.  Once in awhile someone becomes uncomfortable and the test is stopped.  However, your doctor wouldn't ask you to do this unless there were good reasons. Needles are small. I predict you'll be fine

Question 6

the geneticist is sending my son for an emg for suspected congenital myasthenic syndrome in 3 of my kids. how painful is this test?

Accepted Answer

Uncomfortable: This is a common diagnostic test that is similar to having acupuncture needles placed in various muscle groups. I found it uncomfortable but with minimal pain during the procedure and plenty of information for the doc to use. I would readily have it done again if the need arose.

Question 7

two part ? whats the difference bettween an emg and nerve conduction test and  is it more painful or less if you have nerve damage?

Accepted Answer

Emg: As far as I know EMG and nerve conduction study are one in the same . There is some pain and yes if you have a nerve injury and the area is already inflamed it could hurt more. The test is important to help figure out what's the source of your pain. :)

Question 8

besides an emg is there another, less painful test for cubital tunnel?  i am terrified of the test but i'm feeling little pain in pinky finger only.

Accepted Answer

Not 1 cause of pain: Cubital tunnel refers to compression of the ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel. This  supplies the inside of the hand, including pinky. Nerve conduction tests can be performed (with or without EMG, although often they go together),to diagnose this. Ulnar neuropathy can be caused by multiple other reasons and pinky-pain can be caused by other non ulnar conditions - see a neurologist for consultation

Question 9

had emg test 16th dec. injection into the muscle hand was painful, i still have some discomfort on and off. no swell, no red color, not constant pain.

Accepted Answer

Emg: EMG's are never fun, they hurt. As long as there is no evidence of infection then you just have to wait it out.

Question 10

can a virus cause sfn or can it cause symptoms that mimic it? i had a virus in jan and have had numbness, weakness and tingling i. my arms and legs. had emg done and results are normal. it isnt painful just more tingling/weak.have put rules ms also?

Accepted Answer

: Ebstein-Barr Virus can be associated with a large fiber motor neuropathy called Guillain-Barre Syndrome.  But it would be unlikely for any known virus to cause an isolated small fiber neuropathy.  An EMG study would not be appropriate to exclude this type of nerve disorder, as a skin punch biopsy would be needed.  Seriously doubt MS would explain your symptoms.

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Doctor answers about:

Emg painful

A member asked:

Are emg's painful? endocrinologist warned me that it would be very painful

A member asked:

Is an emg test painful?

A member asked:

Index and middle finger numb. emg normal. tricep painful when i push betwen tricep and bicep have numbness from there down arm to fingers.?

A member asked:

How painful is an emg (electromyogram) test?

A member asked:

How painful in an emg? what can it be compared to? taking blood? an iv? worse? i need the honest truth because i'm so scared. please be up front...

A member asked:

The geneticist is sending my son for an emg for suspected congenital myasthenic syndrome in 3 of my kids. how painful is this test?

A member asked:

Two part ? whats the difference bettween an emg and nerve conduction test and is it more painful or less if you have nerve damage?

A member asked:

Besides an emg is there another, less painful test for cubital tunnel? i am terrified of the test but i'm feeling little pain in pinky finger only.

A member asked:

Had emg test 16th dec. injection into the muscle hand was painful, i still have some discomfort on and off. no swell, no red color, not constant pain.

A member asked:

Can a virus cause sfn or can it cause symptoms that mimic it? i had a virus in jan and have had numbness, weakness and tingling i. my arms and legs. had emg done and results are normal. it isnt painful just more tingling/weak.have put rules ms also?

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