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A member asked:
Emg show chronic bilateral denervation & nerve root involvement mainly c3 and c4 but also c5. is this more indicative of myelopathy or radiculpathy? multple mris reported as normal. don't understand the discrepancy between symptoms, emg results & mri?
3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Clinical correlation: Those findings on EMG are specific for RADICULOPATHY (involvement of nerve root) although generally the "denervation" can be from myelopathy, radiculopathy, and/or other problems. I would doubt the MRIs are actually "normal", however it COULD be (rare as it may be) in multiple nerve root stretch/avulsion injuries not seen on MRI. Such discrepancies can often be mitigated by a good history & exam
Answered 11/29/2020
29 views
Additional analysis: Dr Gross handled well. Might add question of pathology involving upper brachial plexus such as a bilateral autoimmune amyotrophy but would be rare
Answered 12/3/2020
23 views
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Is an emg test necessary if the MRI shows c4, C5 and C6 nerves pinched. Have c4, C5 and C6 ruptured disc in neck with C4 C5 and C6 pinched nerves on right side and C6 nerve pinched on left side. Have had bone scan, and CT and now doctor is wanting emg.
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