EMG "Nerve Test" Procedure explained by Dr. Ankamah at New Jersey Sports & Spine Medicine, PC
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- Опубликовано: 13 мар 2016
- This is a video of Dr. Ankamah explaining and performing an EMG "nerve test" in the office. This test can be uncomfortable for some patients but Dr. Ankamah takes his time and makes sure his patients are comfortable throughout the procedure. Another reason why his patients keep coming back and referring their friends and family to NJSS!
New Jersey Sports & Spine Medicine, PC.
Dr. Andrew Ankamah, MD
1553 State Hwy 27
Suite 3100
Somerset, NJ 08873
Ph: 732-249-9400
Fax: 732-249-9500
www.njsportspinemed.com
Reading all these comments prior to going in today scared the HELL out of me today let me tell you IT WAS NOT THAT BAD AT ALL!!!! It was more awkward and weird feeling than painful I cannot believe I read all these negative comments and worried myself sick for nothing...don’t be like me.
Krissy Goersch same here had it done yesterday, im not sure one bit the shocks were gonna cool and the needles are so small it really didn't hurt didn't even bleed
yeah the needles were soo small I was freaking out for nothing.
Hi I get mega anxious although I already get sore pains in my legs like sharp needle like pain and I have had b12 jags which are big and intramuscular I'm assuming it's okay I'm scared lol xxx
Dif strikes for dif folks. I had it done and the shit hurts like hell. It depends where you had the needles placed. I had the needles all over my body including my back. When she put the needle in my inner thigh and my ankles I felt everything and it hurts
I think it probably depends on how hyper sensitive you are. I’m going in tomorrow and I had this done 20 years ago and I don’t remember the needle part being terrible, but it wasn’t fun either. However, my numbness has gotten much worse, and the areas surrounding it that can feel are hyper sensitive. It will be interesting to say the least. I absolutely HATE dealing with neurologists with this because they only care about textbook answers and our family doesn’t follow textbook symptoms (so sorry to inconvenience you, doc 🙄). My new neurologist has been great so far, hoping that stays the same.
I had this procedure performed on me September 29th, 2023. It lasted about 90 minutes. The pulses felt like a strong rubber band pop. The needles were very thin, I did not feel the needle. The test was for lower extremities and back. Do not fear this test. On a scale from 1-10, my pain was a 3. Minor discomfort.
Was this done to detect nerve damage?
@@gustavochaves1490 Yes. I have pinched nerves in the lumbar and cervical spine. I am in physical therapy.
@@jeanwilliams492 Was the EMG able to detect it? Thanks for sharing.
The EMG was able to detect the pinch nerves. Once the needle is inserted, the technician moves the needle around to pick up waves and sounds. If you have pinched nerves, you will hear a sound like popping popcorn. 😅
If you don't mind my asking, did anyone's treatment plan change after finding out results to this test?
I've heard some say the treatment plan/PT stays the same....so my question is then why put yourself through this??
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
I recently had this procedure done. There were two parts. The first part my legs and arms were shocked repetitively in different areas. This didn't bother me much unless done continuously in the same spot, which made me feel warm yet relaxed. It was more so interesting seeing how my body would react and limply jerk to each shock. The second part was harder since I don't like needles. So I asked a series of questions once I saw the needle to stall the procedure...I mean prepare for it mentally. Once I gathered the courage I soon realized the insertion of the needle wasn't bad and at times I didn't even know when it was put in and taken out. I found the most discomfort was when the doctor had to slightly move the needle around while inside my leg and arm. Meanwhile I was asked to apply or resist pressure to those areas. Afterwards I did get muscle twitches in my upper arm, but no pain. My doctors were patient and great so that definitely eased my fear during the procedure.
Did your muscle twitching in your arm go away in a day? What do they do with this info from the test?
Thank you very reassuring for my daughter. We liked that doctor
Thank you for this video. I have this Monday for both feet, because I have severe nerve pain in both feet. I've only had this on my hands, which was not very uncomfortable, but with the existing pain I wanted to see what would be done. I feel more at ease after watching this.
I had this test done and it hurt terribly. I think because I was expecting acupuncture needles. When I seen the needle I panicked and I wanted to cry because of the pain. I would get involuntary muscle movements (spasms) every time the needle was stuck into my muscle. Stick after stick after stick with pain on my arms and legs and back. I couldn't handle it. My whole body still aches. I know this test was necessary but I couldn't wait to get out of that dr.'s office.
Thanks for this video.
Great Video, I'm getting EMG tomorrow.
I had this procedure (both parts) done three days ago. No pain at all. Having read some of these comments, I was all geared up for an hour of torture. The electric shocks simply felt 'odd'. The needles, hardly noticeable, certainly nothing more than an acupuncture needle. (for anyone never having had acupuncture, these fine needle don't hurt at all) My neurologist and I chatted throughout, some needles I didn't even know he had placed.
So.... if you are about to have this test done, please be aware that not everyone has discomfort or pain. Don't worry needlessly.
@NY UK 5'6" 138lbs. Though not skinny, would say I'm of slim build, my legs in particular are not "rugged". (Love how diplomatic you are.😊)
Just had it done, today! Not even 2 hours ago. During the test, it was fine and didn't hurt (I have a low pain threshold, I am a baby). That was until after. My leg/foot is throbbing so bad I just want to go home and apply ice and get some relief. Again, I will say the test was fine...after was my problem.
Outstanding film. thank you
Thank you!
Thank you
Thank you
My test is in 2 hours and reading all these comments makes me want to cancel my appt😂
how did it go ? mines in a few days 😳
@@monaproof The electric shocking was manageable, it wasn't too bad. If there is pain, it goes away in a split second. THEN comes the needles, that was painful for me, especially when they stick the needles in your veins to monitor the movements. They leave the needles in for at least a minute. You will be okay though, there's no bleeding, and after the process is finish, you'll feel almost no pain
Anastasia can i ask where u had it done ? mines gonna be all over my legs
Anastasia also thanks for the feedback on it !
@@monaproof i had it done on my left arm, fingers, and left leg, sorry took ao long to reply, was busy working, how did it go?!
you were much kinder to your patient then when i had these test recently.. for one she kept shocking some places over and over and turning it up more and more.. didnt turn it down and increase the shock gradually between locations.. she had to go get someone else to continue shocking me because some places were not getting readings.. and when it came for the emg.. the dr did not offer the spray and told me to flex the muscles after they stuck the needles in them.. still it did not hurt and with dr ankarmah i am sure you will be in much better hands then i was
I am sorry to hear that the shock was uncomfortable for you. Our bodies are somewhat different and sometimes the nerves are berried deep or located in an unusual location.
If the Dr. or the Tech is not well experienced, they may give up and say the nerves are absent (flat lines) which can lead to misdiagnosis, God forbid. I am naturally gifted with great hands, thanks be to God. Second, I don't rush, so that the patient is calm. I talk through the test with the patients as I do the test.
The spray may be necessary at the fingers, ankle area. Other larger muscle area such as the thigh, shoulder etc. the spray may not make a big differences because of the bulkiness of the muscles and those bulky muscle areas have little bit of fat compared to the very lean muscles. which tend to be the most uncomfortable,
Thank you Freeman for the kind words.
Anyone in New Jersey, PA, NY or anywhere in the United States, you need my tender loving care hands, give my office a call at 732-249-9400 and we will schedule you for evaluation and the test.
I had a NCV and a EMG test done yesterday. It was uncomfortable but not terrible. If you have anxiety it will heighten your fears of how bad do you think it is.
I'm going to get this test done, it was ordered by my MS neurologist.
That machine does not look like the one used on me. I was tortured, It was the most painful experience of my life. They lied at least 3 times when i asked if it was painful. It was horrible!
I shouldn’t have looked this up .. now I want to cancel my appointment.
You don't have to cancel. You can get through the test. Without the test, your diagnosis may not be confirmed and may take longer for you to get relief.
@@newjerseysportsspinemedici5638 i can tolerate shocks very well i'm only scared of needles
I hope didnt cancel. Most of the comments say its not bad.
the pain is only when they tell you to move the muscle while the needle is in .it's been two weeks and the spot of one needle still sore and little painful in the muscle.
@@beardy7124 the word is its not good, for me was just 10 minutes test and it's painful only when you need to move muscle while needles are in. if it was 30 minutes i would say it is really bad .i asked the doctor to do Emg only in my legs not my hands. the electric shocks are just not comfortable . the doctor understood that i was little scared and he asked me to take deep breaths when he inserts needles.10 minutes or 15 minutes is ok but 30 minutes or more that would be too much.
Just had mine done.... not at that place but at another place. It wasn’t bad at all!!! I’d actually do it again if need be.
Just got this done today and it wasn't bad at all. If anything my anxiety just made it worse. The nerve velocity test where they "zap" you was not painful at all, I actually quite liked it. The needle portion is just like getting a lab draw which doesn't really bother me, it just hurts a little more when you are asked to make a movement while the needle is still in which only last for few seconds...Overall very tolerable...
Thank you Chekah for your comment. That's what I teach my patients. If the patient calms down both the NCS/NCV where the doctor gives you some shocks zap you and the EMG the needle portion is not that bad. If the patient is too anxious then the pain level goes high because their muscles are tense up. Calm down, relax and the test should be over in about 30 mins or 45 minutes to 1 hour time on average.
Great video
Thank you for watching Lola and your comment.
Four years ago, I had this test done at a VA hospital prior to my spine surgery. I was probe approximately 17 times in my left thigh and lower leg. I definitely did not enjoy it at all. I suppose it's the same as people giving shots, whether it hurts or how much it hurts. Some are much better at it. Now I need to have the procedure done again. I am not looking forward to it.
Thanks for sharing. I hope my dr is as kind as your dr was. I’m scheduled for the 28th of April 2022. We’ll see what happens.
Everything went well. My dr was very patient and allayed my fear and anxiety. The entire experience was not as painful as I expected. I don’t have the results but I’m thinking that no news is good news.
@@sharonjones8323 do they use the results only to confirm that you have nerve damage ? I’m getting this done in 3 days , i already know there’s a disc coming in contact with a nerve and I already take medication for nerve damage.
@@user-zs2dw1cg7y the test is more precise. they will see your current conditions but the test will determine if the meds are accurate enough and or if you need to change As far as the pain. It was slightly uncomfortable in some places but it was bearable. I pray that all goes well for you. I hope my input is helpful
I had this test done today. I am in so much pain. I had an awesome Doctor. very pleased with him. Doctor Lackman @ Temple Hospital.
Texas? I’m looking for a doc is why I am asking
Me too. I had the rest done today and my body hurts worse now
@@beardedjbob862 sorry honey. I live in Philadelphia. Google a doctor. I always Google all my specialist. Always read the reviews.
@@erickareed5414 take an ibuprofen. That works for me.
@S Pulgovsky don't cancel. Just get it over and done with. You won't regret it. Good luck.
Had this done a few days ago on my legs, my arms will be next month. I have a very high pain tolerance, but this wasn't as terrifying as I expected and built it up in my mind. I won't lie, however, it wasn't comfortable or pleasant. Needles don't bother me in the slightest, but the needle they use for it is very thin, 26 gauge. Just remember to try to take some deep breathes and keep your body as relaxed as possible. Bring a pair of shorts so you can avoid wearing a gown ♥
Krissy:
I wish every patient will be like you. You are very correct. The test is NOT that bad. The key is staying calm and not tensing up. It is important again for the doctor or technician to be compassionate and calm the patient down prior to testing.
I usually start the test by explaining to the patient what to expect. I have found out that it relaxes the patients and the test moves on smoothly.
It means a lot to us hearing from a patient like you. Thanks again for the positive comment. Have a blessed day. Rev. Dr. Andrew Ankamah
حياك الله دكتور كلشي ماافتهمنا
In response to the false statement below. Are we talking of glues in humans?
EMG and Nerve Conduction studies provide accurate information and diagnosis of nerve injuries or diseases to treat you better. Lack of EMG can make it difficult for your doctors to diagnose you properly.
When it comes to human lives no doctor or medical professional or otherwise should be guessing.
Remember, I was a surgeon prior to my current specialty. The claim of adhesions with nerves are patently false and erroneous. Should adhesions pinch a nerve, it would be extremely rare.
Adhesions (scar tissues) tissues occur after certain types of surgeries especially abdominal surgeries.
Physiatrist(physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist) and neurologist usually perform these tests.
Some technicians who are not MD/DO are also doing the nerve conduction portion, but by current guidelines they’re not trained to do the needle EMG which requires tremendous knowledge about human anatomy. This may be determined state by state. Check with your state medical board for details.
The test is not pain free, nothing in life is pain free. Example exercises which are good for our health are not pain free either. “No pain no gain”.
However, in good hands such as mine and many other well qualified doctors the pain is tolerable.
The key to the test is to calm down. Don’t tense up and before you know the test is over!
I hope this helps you.
Rev. Dr. Andrew Ankamah, MD, Board Certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Maybe that was the problem with mine. I literally cried through the whole needle portion. The dr who sis said most patients cry because the pain is intolerable. Maybe it was his technique that made us cry in intolerable pain?
Some things can be pain free in life so going into saying u must experience pain is not good 😐
I had this done a number of years ago. Requested by my doctor.
From that day on my symptoms worsened!
I suffer with severe neurological problems and I know it was heightened by this Nerve conduction velocity test!
Never again.
I had this today. Is it normal to have pain afterward? I wish I had been offered the spray but I was not. Also, the bed that I laid on had no sheets or paper on it. Is that ok or not? He made like he had cleaned it with a sanitizing wipe but I doubt he did.
What helps for after the test my legs are hurting so bad right now it hits to walk
okay got this test done earlier today… it wasn’t too bad, the zaps only last a second and it honestly just feels like a carpet shock. the needles were tiny, and i only felt a short pinch. i didn’t have any numbing cream on it either so i can imagine it would be better with the cream or spray. i will say when the doctor started to move the needle around a bit on my leg it did cramp my muscles which caused a little pain but nothing that lingered too long. currently i am feeling soreness on my leg in the spots where the small needles were but nothing too bad. honestly the soreness is more uncomfortable then the test itself was haha.
Perfect 👍. Your experience is accurate. I am glad it went well. Your experience conforms to what I reported before.
If the Dr. doing the needle is very compassionate and gentle the needle portion is tolerable.
Wish you the best of health. Dr. Ankamah.
I had this done on my left leg yesterday, now my toes are tingly, and my leg feels a bit sore. Is this normal? How long does this last?
Doctor please help me... I'm female 24 years old 147 lbs 5.6 feet.. I went to take ncv test because only 1 of my hands was having burning sensations when used alot... So i did NCV test on both hands, one was fine before test but after the test it got bad and it started burning me that very same night and i feel my fingertips getting numb and heavy. , they used 50 mili amps on me with pulse width 100 and it wasn't gradual... and it was so painful and my hand jumped alot.. Is there a chance ncv tests are harmful?
Had this done today, wasn’t that bad.... it hurt in some areas more than others, but all in all the pain was about a light 4
How long does it take to get the results?
No I hate it. I have a needle phobia and I have to get this done for my shoulder later this month. Does the shock hurt? Like sharp shock or numb like physical therapy shocks?
I had this test done last month, very painful, I felt the zaps all the way up to my spine, it hurts
Oh lord
Thanks for scaring me 😂
Yes indeed. It stinks.
Same I had the nerve conduction done it was super painful not sure why it was a technician I was sweating a lot but tomorrow I’m having emg done and I’m ok with needles but a bit nervous about the pain and I have high pain tolerance
I agree
I had one of these tests done today. Went well and the doctor and nurse were great. He said the reactions are all good but it was weird I couldn't feel the needles down my leg being inserted. He didn't have a clue about that.
Are yu ok now
The doctor couldn't tell you had neuropathy or diabetic neuropathy where there's little to no feeling in the legs? SMH
I’m getting this done tomorrow.... I will update
Howd it go
You didn't update Riley??.
I just had this test done yesterday, and my doctor used nothing to numb my legs, and he was a little harsh with the needle so it hurt like hell
I'm sorry you had a bad experience. The test can be painful/uncomfortable but it is tolerable if the person performing the exam takes their time.
It was the most horrific thing I’ve ever experienced
Sorry to hear. Again, next time ask who is doing the test? Tech or the Dr., Second ask for the Dr. to spray the location of where the needles will go to numb the area for you. Note that it is not necessary to spray the whole body with ethyl chloride, just the areas that hurts most.
Anatomy comes into play. Dr. should know the areas that are super sensitive. I tell my patients what to expect and go along with them. I have never had any of my patients cry. They thank me with a smile after the test.
Compassion at the bedside is key.
I got to do this
This year is very painful. I had it done. Them damn needles hurt. The doctor put needles in my ankle, around my feet, my inner thigh, my knees. She did both legs and then my back. It hurts when they go to soft areas like inner thigh. Also when it's done in the ankle or feet. Discomfort is not what it is. Painful very painful. Afterwards I was in pain even more could barely walk smh
Howd your results come out??
I had the same experience
I’ve had this done multiple times and it’s the closest thing to hell that I can think of!! This should be a torture technique used in war!
I HAD IT. IT WAS TERRIBLE STABBED BY NEEDLES. BLOOD WERE COMING OUT TOO. VERY UNCOMFORTABLE.
I just had this done and there was the sound of the pinched nerve just like you explained in the video, but afterward the person who did my test told me there is nothing wrong and the test concluded that all my nerves are fine. Could they have missed something? Also, I have an extremely high pain tolerance and was confused as to why this test was so unbearable for me. The doctor told me that I’m extremely limber and called it “borderline double jointed” and explained that it may be the reason that the test was so miserable for me. I was balling. Even the zapping hurt and it made me tense up against my will.
What do they do with the results ? My doctor didn’t explain what they’re going to do with the results. Reading some of the comments I’m scared. I already take medication for nerve pain and I already know there’s a disc in my spine that comes in contact with the nerve root so I don’t feel like I need a confirmation if they’re not going to anything more about it.
Could you have Ehlers-Danlos?
I am sorry you had an uncomfortable test. In my experience 99.99% tolerate the test with me. It's important to put the patient at ease. I have conversation with my patients. I take my time and don't rush it.
Some muscles based on anatomy are more sensitive. Those areas with the needles, I spray with local anesthetics and helps my patients in those uncomfortable areas.
The test confirms the location and the number of nerves pinched, so if the nerve medication fail to provide you with adequate relief, then the doctors may consider epidural steroid injection. That's where the EMG/NCS results come in handy to guide the Dr. so that accurate injection can be done for you to get quality relief.
Just had mine done today they did both legs and my lower back. The back was by far more painful!
Thanks for the video. I've been suffering with horrible pain in my L4 and L5, been on Opiod therapy for 6 years.
I'm having this test done in a couple of weeks. I don't understand how it will tell what nerve root the pain is coming from??? Any advice?
Kent Rockwood Tyler what did they find out? I'm having this done today on my shoulder
Freddie Murry would you please let me know how it was. I'm having it done on my shoulder I 2 weeks
Hi. Sorry, I didn't notice this sooner. My situation is a bit different than yours. I had to have the test done to further my diagnosis. I had a bit of Neuropathy , but it also proved that my disc was pushing against my spinal cord.
I was cleared for surgery but decided to go with a spinal decompression machine at the chiropractors office AND physical therapy.
I wish you a lot of luck.
It is only mildly irritating......the test that is.
I'm getting better, but slowly.
I wish you loads of luck. Oh, and get several opinions if anyone suggests surgery.
Nay Little it's wasn't to bad, I took a couple pain pills before I went. I was diagnosed with brachial neuritis or Parsonage and Turner syndrome.
My doctors where I work do EMG's all the time..
So this is real Eric Foreman?
Was he testing Feet, Legs, Back or what? Would really like to know.
Needles where the worse for me and the shock behind the knee kicked like toddler with a plastic bat hit me hard other than that it's was ok I guess. Was more concerned that the leg they where shocking wasn't moving, but in fact, the other leg that was moving
I m going to do this test my leg down to my angle weak and and when I walk I started to feel my leg heavy and dropping and sometimes tingling in my toes what is the cause of this will this make it worst
Alana Brown sounds like footdrop
Mine felt like a rubber band plucking me repeatedly in each place it was inserted.
A guy who did mine went back to the right arm and tested it again he also kept turning the dial up amd down. Is that normal?
Dialing up the intensity is part of the test and it's normal. As far as going back to the right arm if he had completed the test, I'm not sure why he went back unless if something happened with the results or something went wrong with saving the test results. Other reason maybe he wanted to double check in that case it's normal to do so. Thank you. Dr. Ankamah, MD
Today I have undergone both ncv and emg it was like i was in hell.
Worst 1 hours of my life 😭
I'm in the process of having to have to get this procedure because ever since I got the covid vaccine I have been having non stop muscle spasms all over my body that has become intolerable.i was 27. I hope this procedure gives me some kind of relief that im getting to a resolution to whats going on
Aaileyah, I am sorry to hear that you had side effect to the covid vaccination. Yes the test can be used if you have numbness, tingling sensation or paresthesias electric shock type of feeling down your arms or legs. The test can be done to diagnose most commonly pinch nerves, neuropathy, or carpal tunnel syndrome. The test can also be used especially the needle portion to diagnose muscle disease myopathy). Even though the test is not for muscle spasms per se in general, I hope and pray your doctors can figure out what's going on. Feel better soon.
@@newjerseysportsspinemedici5638 thankyou , I hope so too because here not finding anything in my blood work and this is my only option .
Anyone who's had this test to determine if they peripheral neuropathy, can you please tell me if they warmed your skin first?
Mary Jane no they didn't. I didn't even know what i was up for until i got it done.
Yes they do warm your skin if your not already warm to the touch. This will determine exactly what's going with you. I had mine done today. It was a bit uncomfortable and very little pain
Mary Jane, you're extremity being tested should be at least at room temperature or else the results of the test can be off. A warming light or heating pad can be used at times to warm up the extremity if needed.
They warmed mine as much as they could.....nerves going to foyr toes were cut during a surgery 5 & 1/2 years ago.....so the toes stay freezing
I’m having one done at a local hospital. Tomorrow 1/19/22 . How does the neurologist know how many times to shock and where to put the needles. How many needles are used , how do the compare in size to a butterfly blood lab needle. How bad is the shock like sticking a tv remote battery on the tongue ? I think I can handle the emg it’s the needle parts around the ankles I’m not going. Had numbness, tingling, and spasms in my hands and legs along with dropping my phone so that’s why She (neurologist) is testing me.
Wish you safe testing. The number of shocks depends on how accessible your nerves are. I tell my patients sometimes the nerve travels within the body "like a snake". winding and zig-zagging. In some cases the anatomical location is way out of it's location from what we learned from the text book. Some States allow technicians to do the test especially the nerve conduction (shock portion). Your neurologist being an MD or DO is well trained to know where to stimulate. The number of times to shock depends again on the easy accessibility of your nerves.
Most EMG (the needle portion of the test) uses fine needles. It is "long but thin. I describe to my patients' it's like acupuncture needle. Don't be scared of the length of the needle because only small part goes in the muscle. The number of muscles to test depends on what the Dr. is trying to diagnose and what nerves he/she feels needs to be tested.
You are right. the smaller the muscle, the less fat content, therefore the more discomfort example the palm of the hands or the ankles. Ask for ETHYL CHLORIDE SPRAY to numb it little bit for you. But beware, it's freezing cold spray but I think it's worth it.
Lastly, as I have mentioned before in prior comments or in the video, COMPASSION, BEDSIDE MANNERS ARE KEY to relax the patients.
The patient has a role to play especially for the needle EMG portion, I advise my patients to relax. I have experienced that if the patient tenses up, the muscles go into automatic spasms before I even put the needle in the muscle. If you relax in general, the muscles also relax and it's not that bad especially in the hands of a caring and compassionate doctor.
@@andrewankamah8172 Thanks the emg/ncv showed normal. so she(neuro.) sent me for a mri. which was tonight. (1/27) .
We can Thank God that the test came back normal. Mri is the next and hopefully the final test you will need. Thank you for the update. Dr. Ankamah
I had many of these tests. By the time it's time for this test, immunity to this level of pain has been adapted by our bodies years ago as 'normal',,, very unfortunately.
Mark Elias your comment on emg test or nerve conduction is completely true. You don't really ever get use to it just have to accept it deal with it.....one day at a time......im having both done again tomorrow...... YIPPEEEE
This hurts like hell!!!!!
@NY UK I’m 5’4 and I had it on my legs. I’m normally good with pain but I cried during this haha
I'm do to have this in November and I'm freaking out. Do this hurt at all? It's for my heel
Delores McEachern how was it? Having it done today
Freddie Murry Very uncomfortable I wouldn't do it again.
Delores McEachern had mine done and was diagnosed with Parsonage and Turner Syndrome AKA brachial neuritis. What where your results?
I would totally do it again yes it was uncomfortable but definitely tolerable.Reading these comments worried me half to death for absolutely nothing
Delores McEachern I’m scared asf
Can EMG be done without needle? I freak out from them
Great question. The test is divided into 2 parts. The first part is called Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS or some call it NCV{nerve conduction velocity). This is where the doctor or the tech will zap you I describe it as stimulation or little shocks :), to calm my patients down, it feels like electric static shocks). If you only complete this, the diagnosis such as pinch nerve in your neck or low back will be missed. The NCS can diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome, and neuropathy but NOT pinch nerve.
The second part of the test is called EMG (needle portion). It's a little long but very small needle. Don't be afraid of the length. Only a medical Dr., who knows the anatomy and knows what they are doing should do the EMG portion. Make sure the the person sticking needle in your body is a trained MD (medical Dr.) or DO ( Dr. of Osteopathy)
I tell my patients if they calm down and relax the needle is not that bad . I tell them it's not pain free but it's tolerable. The key is having a doctor who is compassionate and also the patient calming down. If you tense up the muscles go into spasms before the Dr. even put the needle into your muscle. Again, the EMG or the needle portion can help diagnose pinch nerves, if its in the low back some call it sciatica. I hope this helps.
@@newjerseysportsspinemedici5638 thank you soo much sir
I couldn't sit through the test . Too uncomfortable feels like electric shock
Nothing to fear no pain at all relax.I did my neck and arm no pain at all at any point.It was fast you don't see needle if you don't wish.No pain now after.Dry needling is much worse than this.Pain o/ 10 People writing here probably have phobias of needles because to me this was nothing I was so stressed for absolutely no reason.
I had the upper done . It was awful.
I just PART of this procedure done yesterday 1/30/2024
The "zapping" part was tolerable. But when it came to those needles... NOPE! I hoped up and ended the session IMMEDIATELY AND INSTRUCTED MY DOCTOR TO ORDER A MRI for which I was Approved!
Now, if you've gotten tattoos, you can do this. I HAVE NOT.
JUST F.Y.I.
I am sorry to hear that you did not tolerate the test. In almost twenty years, I have 99.99% of ,y patients successfully completing the test. Less than 1% could not finish, that's pretty damn good :). Dr. has to be gentle, calm the patient down and always if the needle gets to sensitive spots the Dr. should know to spray with numbing medication (ethyl chloride). I offer to all my patients especially in some areas, we're trained to know certain areas are sensitive. If your Dr. doesn't offer to spray to numb it little bit for you you can always ask for it and hopefully they have it in the office. FYI: MRI RARELY can tell if there is a pinch nerve or sciatica. The gold standard text worldwide is this test. In gentle hands and with great bedside manners, you will complete the test!
The volume on this was terrible. Straining to hear what he was saying.
I had this done and cried no more there was a baby stun gun not like how he's doing it they counted to 3 and shock the heck outta me 😭I could not manage
I am sorry for the inconvenience and discomfort. I am not sure if it was done by a Tech or a doctor.
The power can be controlled and not go to maximum for patient comfort. I wish I could have done for you. Stay well and thank you for the comment.
Dr. Ankamah
so if one has a pinched nerve what is the treatment??
treatments vary per each DR. But overall treatment includes physical therapy low back and legs or occupational therapy for neck and hands or upper extremities.
Special nerve medications can be prescribed by your Dr.
I provide special vitamins for carpal tunnel syndrome and pinch nerves which works well if the patient does not want stronger nerve medication.
Lastly, spine injections called facet blocks or epidural steroid injection. I hope this helps answer your question.
What are the chances of accidentally puncturing a vein, artery or nerve?
Possible to puncture arteries or veins (especially the very smaller ones) but very unlikely to stick the needle in the nerves. That's why I recommend a well trained medical doctor such as Physiatrist (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation) specialist like Dr. Ankamah or a Neurologist does the test for you who know the anatomy of the human body very well and are experienced in the location of all the nerves veins and arteries to avoid accidental puncturing.
Sometime if the patient has varicose veins, or on blood thinners, they tend to bleed little. I call it oozing. I have not personally had any cases where the patient bled that I couldn't stop it. Any one doing the test with experience can avoid the big veins and arteries. Never ever happened. Thank God!
How long does it last
about an hour. Provided not doing both arms and legs on the same day.
I had an EMG on my legs and was told that it would be minor pain and no after effects. LIARS!!! It was HORRIBLY painful during the procedure and I have lingering pain and nerve fluttering (they said the test was normal, so this is not the response of neural disfunction). Had they been honest with me about the potential pain and after effects, I NEVER would have gone thru with it!!!
I am sorry to hear that you had a bad experience with the test. It is not acceptable to be lied to as a patient. It's important to ask who is performing the test prior to going in. A tech or a Dr.? Whoever does it better know the anatomy of the human body. I have been performing this test for close to 20 years and I have ZERO after effect. As far as pain is concerned, it depends on the person performing the test. It is NOT pain free like blood draw, but it's tolerable!!! For almost 20 year performing this test I have 99.99 % completion rate! That's pretty damn good in the right hands.
I had it done they check the nerves and muscles. To me the muscle test was worse
Mark, the needle (muscle) portion can be uncomfortable. In great hands it is tolerable. The Dr. must know which muscles hurt more and offer to spray the numbing spray local anesthetic). No need to spray the whole body, only certain muscles hurt more. Where the muscle hurts the most is the thumb and ankle or shin area. You must ask for ethyl chloride spray. I ask the patients and if they want the spray I proceed. It makes some difference and decrease the pain as the needle goes through the skin to the muscles.
I have to get this done but have no feeling in my knee down to my ankle how bad will it hurt? I'm nervous.
Doesn't really hurt at all I've had 2
They didn't spray nothing on me went in raw
Josh Martinez me too shit
Cynthia Carolina damn your fine lol
Cynthia Carolina where u from
Josh Martinez im originally from Venezuela but i just moved to Jacksonville from Miami
No spray for me either
excitatos
DOCTOR! Alcohol does not make an area “sterile”. 🤭😳😳😬 Thank you for the video!
Great. Not looking forward to this.
OH FFS I wish doctors would stop saying this doesn't cause pain but, just "discomfort." The "discomfort" is because of PAIN. I hate procedures like this while I'm awake. I am a sexual abuse survivor and shit like this is traumatizing to me.
This test is not accurate.
This may be performed differently now but when I had it done in 2010 I would equal it to Medieval Torture. The shocking sensation was like a fighting stinger then the needle part was awful, I"ll never have it done again!!