United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hello Everyone
My name is Frank I am 38 yrs old with R-OBPI. Can anyone tell me what is EMG testing? How is it done? is it painful? and What info. is learned from the testing?
thank you all I have learned so much from all of you, things that I have woundered about my whole life.

Hi Frank,
You can find a lot of information out about both EMG and nerve conduction testing (both are usually done on bpi's) at this site:
http://www.teleemg.com/

Basically the EMG tests to see if and how much the muscles are being innervated by the nerves. This is done by inserting needles into the muscle that then tests this.

Nancy

Welcome to the board Frank . I am 41 robpi. I will not lie to you an emg is painful. The first one I had 20+ years ago, I walked out of in tears. I just had one this year and it was not nearly as bad. The doctor used pediatric needles which made alot of difference. It shows which nerves are working properly. it can detect ulner nerve damage and carpel tunels. I have to admit it is a useful test for some. My results came back that I have a Right brachiolplexpathy with post cord and c5,6, &7 root involvement.I was described in the doctors notes as an interesting patient. Hope this helps. feel free to ask any questions here. judy

Hi Frank

Welcome to the board. I had my first emg about 2 years ago - I wish I had asked for pediatric needles... it was every uncomfortable... they did both arms.... discovered I have Erb's Palsy... I told them so!!!!!!

It is a good base line test to see what nerve's are injured...

Glad you posted
Kath

Hello Kath,
Thank you for the info. on the gathering and for putting me in contact with Claudia, and thank you all for responding to my question.

Frank

I will see you at the NY gathering.
Are you getting and evaluation? It should be very interesting to see what they say.
Kath

Hi Kath
Yes I am getting evaluated after all these years (better late then never). Has any adult ever had surgery after these evaluations.Do you know if anyone has ever had any cosmetic surgey I have been thinking of looking into the possibilty of a chest inplant or some why of making my arm like like it has more of a muscle.Should I post this as a seperate question.
Thank you
Frank

You can find out a little information on EMG's and MRI's at http://www.nbpepa.org
Under the Erb's Place for Families section or a direct link through
http://www.nbpepa.org/emgmri.htm

Hope that helps.

Frank

Nancy did and she can tell you about it. As I said on the phone I never did...

Kath

Frank,

Yes I have had 2 surgeries in the past 18 months. Both of them were secondary surgeries involving muscle and tendon releases and transfers, nerve decompression and cleanup of old scarring. I can do so many things I never thought possible and most of all, there is so much more ease of movement and flexibility. I have combined the surgery with an aggressive program of PT and OT, am doing e-stim, and anything I can to maximize the potential for change now made possible by the surgery.

I am planning on attending the NY picnic too so hope to meet you there!

Nancy