United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

If you could get an EMG (at not cost) would you do it to find out the extent of your injury?
I turned it down in April but now I am having second thoughts. I know they hurt like crazy, thats the only thing holding me back.
Amy 20 years old ROBPI from MN

Amy,
Yes I would. The pain of an EMG is what's keeping me from having one. I would want an experienced neurologist familiar with OBPI'S...maybe someday when someone will do a Research Study on us" Adults with...".

I'll wait!

HUGS,
Carolyn J

Maybe consider what you would gain from having one. Is there a specific reason you want one?
If you have something to gain maybe its worth it. I'm sure you probably know this, but you can get a general idea of the damage by what muscles don't work so well. (A therapist could help you figure it out)
Becky

Amy
I had an EMG done for my right arm 3 days ago I don't have BPI Frankie does but have been having pain in my elbow due to my occupation. They do both arms to compare. I was so scared I had heard it was very painful and I have a very low tolerance for pain canceled 4 times before going through with it the pain had gotten so bad. I gotta tell you it wasn't that painful a bit uncomfortable but not painful. frankie had one done also prior to his surgery last Nov and they had to do both arms and he too said it wasn't that bad so go ahead and do it the needles are very small and thin you can do it. I was told my ulna nerve is damaged and may need surgery but for now I'm doing the cortisone shots now they HURT Mare

i had an EMG one month ago, for me the pain was bearable. But it helped me in understanding my condition better. i am now more aware of what muscles need to be better and what movements i should do to improve them. anyhow the EMG is not usually something conclusive. MRI is needed to correctly evaluate ur case.

I've had several EMG's done recently. They aren't nearly as bad as I remember them. I agree that it would depend on what you hope to gain from having one. Good luck.

I guess the biggest thing is that since I have had 5 surgeries I cant get a true assesment from a therapist, I have asked and gotten no where. I would really like to gain pronation but if the muscle is not innervated (which I cant tell cant seem to get active pronation past neutral even with e-stim) I would need surgery to get pronation. And I would want to have that done sooner rather than later.

Amy 20 years old rOBPI from MN

Amy,

I know I'm a parent and not dealing with this injury myself - I hope you do not mind my answering this question, too...

I would encourage you to get the EMG done. Just as you said, you would really like to get active pronation. I know you to be a very thoughtful, very thorough, very determined person. If you have not been able to gain active pronation past neutral, I am positive it is not because you haven't worked hard for it. An EMG would give you more complete information with which to determine your best course of action to gain this function.

Would there be any way to sedate you for the EMG, or would you need to be awake?

I wish you luck in whatever decision you make, and I'm just so sorry you are even having to make one.

I have had 4 EMG in the past 7 months. I scream (not aloud) when I have a simple blood test and have never given blood because of the needles. EMG do not bother me at all. I have had no problems whatsoever. Have it done. The needles are nearly microscopic in size.

Mica,
She would have to be awake, they ask you to contract your muscle (if you can) to see if it will do anything. They take measurements when it is at rest and contracting.
Marieke