They hook up electrodes to each finger on each hand...then feet. Then a known amount of electricity is pumped thru the "Nerve pathway"...when you get a full twich/contraction, the time is measured between or something?
The bottom-line is that it is perfect for measuring even small amounts of neuropathy and inflammation.
The results were that I have "unexplained" inflammation and mild damage in the neural pathways of my PNS and maybe parts of my CNS. Upper and Lower torso.
I can only imagine what's going on in my brain.
Anyone find this test to be helpful diagnostically in any way?
Posted by kramer (Member # 15194) on :
I had this test done before I was diagnosed with lyme. I had nerve pain in my feet at the time. Despite the extreme pain the test showed my nerve pathways were normal. The doctors were looking for demyelinating disease like m.s. I was told this test would show damage that would lead to a loss of sensitivity or numbness. The doctor also said the test is helpfull in pinpointing where nerve signal are lost such as pinched nerves. What It would tell a doctor about lyme I dont know. I gathered that this test was looking for other explanations for my pain other than lyme. Hope this info helps a bit
Posted by Mathias (Member # 5298) on :
I've had it done. Other than some rule outs and for confirming a diagnosis of carpel tunnel syndrome it was of no diagnostic help.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
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Well, this sounds far better than the nerve conduction test I had done a couple decades ago for carpel tunnel where they put many needles into my arms.
I swore I'd never have another test done on my nerves, no matter what.
Glad to hear they have become more humane.
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Posted by seekhelp (Member # 15067) on :
Done it 7-8 times. They are looking for nerve issues. There are 2 parts to the test: electical conduction as you described and then the crap part where they stick needles in your muscles. OUCH.
Nothing useful ever came out of it for me except for a carpel tunnel Dx in both wrists.
Apparently, there a single fiber EMG test that looks for different conditions.