What is EMG testing?

This board is for adults and teens to discuss issues relating to BPI since birth (OBPI).
admin
Site Admin
Posts: 19873
Joined: Mon Nov 16, 2009 9:59 pm

What is EMG testing?

Post by admin »

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.
njbirk
Posts: 1806
Joined: Wed Oct 24, 2001 10:09 pm

Re: What is EMG testing?

Post by njbirk »

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
Judy-T
Posts: 557
Joined: Fri Nov 02, 2001 11:59 am
Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: Right arm OBPI One surgery at age 40 Ulnar nerve retransposition
Location: Florida

Re: What is EMG testing?

Post by Judy-T »

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
Kathleen
Posts: 1012
Joined: Sat Nov 03, 2001 5:33 pm

Re: What is EMG testing?

Post by Kathleen »

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
admin
Site Admin
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Joined: Mon Nov 16, 2009 9:59 pm

Re: What is EMG testing?

Post by admin »

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.
Kathleen
Posts: 1012
Joined: Sat Nov 03, 2001 5:33 pm

Re: What is EMG testing?

Post by Kathleen »

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
admin
Site Admin
Posts: 19873
Joined: Mon Nov 16, 2009 9:59 pm

Re: What is EMG testing?

Post by admin »

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
nbpepa
Posts: 47
Joined: Wed May 08, 2002 6:28 pm

Re: What is EMG testing?

Post by nbpepa »

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.
Kathleen
Posts: 1012
Joined: Sat Nov 03, 2001 5:33 pm

Re: What is EMG testing?

Post by Kathleen »

Frank

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

Kath
njbirk
Posts: 1806
Joined: Wed Oct 24, 2001 10:09 pm

Re: What is EMG testing?

Post by njbirk »

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
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