Has anyone had an EMG and can tell me what this is like… even my own GP today told me that it is painful! I think my appointment is next week or week after, and am starting to get worried!
Also, will I be ok to drive home afterwards as my Mum is coming with me and she doesnt really drive anymore.
Paula xx
Hi Paula,
Stop worrying darlin, sounds to me could be an Evoked Potential that uses an EMG machine to record the electrical impulse. If it is an EP is completely harmless.
Evoked Potential (EP) tests
Evoked Potential tests are procedures for measuring the speed of impulses along neurons. Responses can be measured using EEG readings from electrodes attached to the scalp and occasionally other areas of the skin. Although this may sound like something from Frankenstein, they are in fact completely painless and entirely harmless. Based on input signals to the particular sense being measured, the time taken for that response to register can be accurately measured and compared to normal readings. The results are then analysed on a computer and average speeds recorded.
Demyelinated neurons transmit nerve signals slower than non-demyelinated ones and this can be detected with EP tests. Although they may appear to function perfectly, even remyelinated neurons are slower than normal nerves and so historical lesions can be detected in this way.
There are three main types of evoked potential test:
Visually Evoked Potential (VEP)
This test measures the speed of the optic nerve. The patient has to focus on the centre of a “TV” screen on which there is a black and white chequered pattern. Each square in the pattern alternates between black and white at measured intervals. The patient wears a patch on one eye for a while and then on the other, so that the speed of both optic nerves can be measured.
85-90% of people with definite MS and 58% of people with probable MS will have abnormal VEP test results.
Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER)
The BAER test measures the speed of impulses along the auditory portion of Cranial Nerve VIII. This nerve arises in the Pons area of the Brainstem and therefore this test may be indicative of lesions in that area. The patient lies down in a darkened room to prevent visual signals from interfering with measurements. A series of clicks and beeps are played back to the patient.
67% of people with definite MS and 41% of people with probable MS will have abnormal BAER test results.
SomatoSensory Evoked Potential (SSEP)
The SSEP test involves strapping an electrical stimulus around an arm or leg. The current is switched on for 5 seconds and electrodes on the back and skull measure the response at particular junctions. The current is very low indeed and completely painless. The speed of various nerves can be measured in this way and the points of slow-down (i.e. demyelinated lesions) approximated to because of the sampling at several places.
77% of people with definite MS and 67% of people with probable MS will have abnormal SSEP test results.
Any of these tests are not necessarily indicative of MS but can be used in conjunction with a neurological examination, medical history, an MRI and a spinal tap to deduce some kind of diagnosis.
An EEG differs in the electrodes strapped to you which have small needles that pierce the skin and messures electrical impulses from or to the heart I believe.
George
Hi George
Thanks for all the information…
But, I have already had the VEP tests done, and this is something about putting needles into my muscles to test the responses - YIKES!!
Again, thank you for all that
P xx
Cant imagine why it should have to be painful - it may of course depend more precisely on where it is and how it is done. I had EMG on arms and legs but could not describe it as anything more than mildly uncomfortable.
Needles only lightly penetrate, a bit like having accupucture
Not that painful Paula - I had one and as Mr Bowman said it’s a bit like acupuncture. It feels strange when your fingers/ limbs jerk with the electrical stimulus but I wouldn’t say painful and the sensations are momentary.
I’m sure you will be fine. Hopefully it provides some more clues as to whats happening.
Reemz
X
Thank you all so much!! Yet again you have all put my mind at ease.
Paula xx
Hi Paula Hope you are ok Hun I have had the test done both isolated nerves with fine needles which didn’t hurt at all staying as relaxed as loss helps as does the one where measurements from points on ankles to brain You should be fine to drive home Good luck and let us know how you get on Hugs em x
Thanks Em - its on Friday, so will let you know how it all goes. Im not nervous any more because of the brilliant responses from this forum, so that’s always a great thing 
Pxx