Question 1

how much time does pain from emg test last?

Accepted Answer

Days at most : There shouldn't be any persistent pain from an EMG other than some muscle soreness (as if you have worked out too hard) that responds to NSAIDs and goes away in a few days at most. There used to be significant concern about bleeding in the muscles, especially those along the vertebrae, but studies have shown a very low rate of these bleeds, even in patients on powerful anticoagulant medication.

Question 2

can a normal neurologist clinical exam pretty much rule out als or should you do emg. ?

Accepted Answer

Do EMG.: Although the EMG is very uncomfortable, it is an important part of diagnosis. One cannot rule out ALS without having an EMG. If your doctor, neurologist or physiatrist is recommending it, then get the EMG. There are treatments now for ALS, so proper diagnosis is essential. Best wishes to you.

Question 3

can a normal brain and neck mri pretty much rule out ms?numb patch in bottom of foot along w muscle twitching all over body.emg normal

Accepted Answer

No.: Sometimes multiple sclerosis does not show up on MRIs. Speak to your neurologist for more details.

Question 4

continuous nerve pain /weakness that started in left hand all the way to my shoulder and collar bone for 10 month.the right arm/hand also started to hurt but the pain comes and goes.the emg and mri came back normal.physical therapy didn't help much?

Accepted Answer

: By the symptoms you describe and the works-up you have gone through, I assume you have been thoroughly evaluated by a neurologist. If you do not have a satisfied answer to your condition, you should seek a second opinion with a neurology team at a tertiary, academic center. Good luck.

Question 5

how is emg done?

Accepted Answer

Carefully: Emg or electromyography is a test done that requires a trained physician (pmr or neuro md) to insert a thin needle electrode into specific muscles to determine whether there is muscle, motor nerve, (or nm junction with special techniques) injury.  It can be uncomfortable at times and is usually combined with a ncs (nerve conduction study) test to physiologically examine peripheral nerve and muscle.

Question 6

does a emg test hurt?

Accepted Answer

A little bit: The level of pain varies from patient to patient and with the doctor who is performing the test. Most patients find the discomfort relatively mild and no big deal.

Question 7

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 8

what does a emg test show?

Accepted Answer

EMG: An electromyogram (EMG) measures the electrical activity of muscles at rest and during contraction.

Question 9

does emg always show injury?

Accepted Answer

no: It has great specificity (when it shows a problem there's really a problem), but poor sensitivity (when the EMG does not show a problem there in fact may be a problem).

So EMG does not always show injury.

Question 10

what is electromyography (emg )?

Accepted Answer

Electromyography: Emg and ncv testing is used to help diagnose nerve and muscle problems. Examples include spinal nerve impingement (from herniated disc), carpel tunnel syndrome, ulnar syndrome, sources of radiating pain. Pain, numbness, weakness, muscle fatigue are some of the reasons that you may need an emg/ncv test.

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Doctor answers about:

How much pain for an EMG

A member asked:

How much time does pain from emg test last?

A member asked:

Can a normal neurologist clinical exam pretty much rule out als or should you do emg. ?

A member asked:

Can a normal brain and neck mri pretty much rule out ms?numb patch in bottom of foot along w muscle twitching all over body.emg normal

A member asked:

Continuous nerve pain /weakness that started in left hand all the way to my shoulder and collar bone for 10 month.the right arm/hand also started to hurt but the pain comes and goes.the emg and mri came back normal.physical therapy didn't help much?

A member asked:

How is emg done?

A member asked:

Does a emg test hurt?

A member asked:

Is an emg test painful?

A member asked:

What does a emg test show?

A member asked:

Does emg always show injury?

A member asked:

What is electromyography (emg )?

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