United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I have a question. We are scheduled to go back to TCH at the end of june for a EMG. They told me it is 2 parts emg& nerve conduction study. There is only little info on the TCH website, I was wondering if anyone has any info on this. Will maddy feel pain, any suggestions. Lisa told me they want to make sure she is still improving and still does'nt need the surgery(primary). Any info will be appreciated!!!!!!! Thanks so much in advance, Staci.....Maddysmom

My son had EMG done twice, one at 1 month old and another at his 3rd month. This first one was ordered by our neurologist to determine the extent of his injury which was severe. The second one was requested by TCH to see whether he needs primary surgery. Our second EMG showed drastic improvement since Michael's arm started moving at second month. Hence, no primary surgery was needed.

EMG is painful when they send the electric current. They will use needle on certain part of the baby's arm. On our first one, we were told to just wait outside since they think it would be too hard on the parents. That did not make sense to us. On the second one, we requested to be by the side of our son during EMG.

My suggestion would be that you go in with your child and stay by the side your child to comfort him/her. When they move the needle to another place, you can talk and touch your child. I believe that can make it easier for your child, just hearing parent's voice, knowing parents' presence, is a great comfort. Good luck!

Jenny

Unfortunately, for some of us it was not a good experience and the babies can feel pain. From what I know TCH doesn't usually do them to determine the need for primary. Is your daughter falling right on the boarder line of needing or not needing surgery? I wouldn't put my child through it unless they could tell me clearly why it is necessary. Maybe she will make progress and they won't need to. good luck

Hello,
My son just had this done in April at TCH. He is 7 now, but he had several as an infant. The ones as an infant weren't too bothersome for him, but I think his arm was number then than it is now. He did cry a little (as a baby), but it never lasted long. I also think it was more being held in place that made him cry! It was much more difficult for him at 7. The nerve conduction study doesn't hurt at all. Small coils of wire are wrapped around fingers or taped on the skin and a blunt probe is pressed on the skin. This part took about 20 minutes. The EMG part was what hurt. The doc placed the "antennae", otherwise known as needle, in his skin in about 12 places and tested and recorded muscle response in each of those spots. This part took a little longer, perhaps 30 minutes. Dr. Schwabe did it...and she is very nice. I feel SURE you'll be invited to stay with your baby. I wouldn't do it any other way...If she has a binky, save it for when the test starts, or a bottle perhaps? You can distract her with a softie or something favorite of hers...I leaned over my son and held his other hand and kept his head turned away. I was right there. Best of luck.
Jaime

> Hello,
> My son just had this done in April at TCH. He is 7
> now, but he had several as an infant. The ones as an
> infant weren't too bothersome for him, but I think
> his arm was number then than it is now. He did cry a
> little (as a baby), but it never lasted long. I also
> think it was more being held in place that made him
> cry! It was much more difficult for him at 7. The
> nerve conduction study doesn't hurt at all. Small
> coils of wire are wrapped around fingers or taped on
> the skin and a blunt probe is pressed on the skin.
> This part took about 20 minutes. The EMG part was
> what hurt. The doc placed the "antennae", otherwise
> known as needle, in his skin in about 12 places and
> tested and recorded muscle response in each of those
> spots. This part took a little longer, perhaps 30
> minutes. Dr. Schwabe did it...and she is very nice. I
> feel SURE you'll be invited to stay with your baby. I
> wouldn't do it any other way...If she has a binky,
> save it for when the test starts, or a bottle
> perhaps? You can distract her with a softie or
> something favorite of hers...I leaned over my son and
> held his other hand and kept his head turned away. I
> was right there. Best of luck.
> Jaime

My husband and I were quite torn as to whether or not to have an EMG done.(he has had 3) My son has now just turned 11 and at that time of his birth, "primary" surgery was not an option. When we had asked about the possibility of surgery, we were instructed, on many occasions, not to go forward even though he had no movement by 3 months of age. At the time, the surgery available was not, I sappose, as good as what is now being done. I regret not forcing the issue. In some ways we backed away due to the fear of the unknown, the possible pain involved and of course not making the right long term choice for our son, and maybe making his situation worse. I guess my advice is... if an EMG can help better determine a possible surgical option, do it! Don't regret not doing something for him, your decision doesn't just stay with him for the rest of his life, it stays with you for yours. Be informed, know all of your options!

I'd certainly ask for some sedation for your daughter. I supposed anyone can ask for it...they may say "oh, she won't need it", but explain the situation and insist she have something. It's very hard to reason with 2-4 year old's (okay - impossible! as you undoubtedly know!!). I can pretty much guarantee she will NOT like the EMG. So sedation would be helpful.
Good luck
Jaime

About EMG's...my Daughter had one in May and it was not what I thought it would be. I was not well educated on it. I looked on the TCH website but not too hard...I realized quite fast that it was going to reguire some quick talking and comfort to get megan thru it. (I think she may have been tougher than me, but I tried to help)
I took out some toys from her back pack and we talked about "happy places" It was all done in about 20 min.s but I was so ill-prepared that I forgot about her 5 yr. old brother who was watching all this from the chair. He started to cry. He said he couldnt stand to watch them stick his sister. Megan did well though and Dr. Shwabe was very nice. My advice...be prepared, no siblings, be in with your child and distract them as needed, when done ...get ice cream! Good luck!

Visit this website: http://www.teleemg.com/
My child had one done at 6months of age; She was sedated for both emg and ncv. I wish you and your family all the best.