Brief Answer:
There is no electrical test that confirms RLS

Detailed Answer:
Good morning. My name is Dr. Saghafi and I am a neurologist practicing in XXXXXXX Ohio, USA.

There is no diagnostic study that has yet been developed that can either rule in OR rule out RLS (Restless Legs Syndrome). EMG/NCV studies although often done are done to look for other problems which may indicate the presence of a dysfunction of the nerves in either neck, lower back, spinal cord, or in the legs themselves to explain the symptoms.

RLS is purely a clinical diagnosis, meaning that it is based upon a set of agreed criteria which the clinician (such as a neurologist) interprets based upon the patient's condition, history and physical examinations and then, makes a decision as to whether or not the diagnosis fits.

It you believe you've tried every medication known to man for this problem and nothing works then, I believe you need to seek out a second or maybe even a 3rd opinion on the diagnosis and get a better base from which to work.

Sleep studies can suggest the presence of RLS but even that test is not strongly correlated to the diagnosis since typically RLS occurs BEFORE the patient falls asleep whereas sleep studies detect something called Periodic Leg Movements which occur have sleep is already occurring. Again, sometimes it could serve as a hint to the diagnosis but still depends largely upon the clinical criteria being satisfied in the individual.

See what the EMG/NCV shows. You may very well find an answer to the problem IF POSITIVE because that would suggest that you DO NOT HAVE RLS and something else has been at work all these years causing your problems.

Good luck to you.

Let me say that if you'd like to direct any questions to me in the future and I do hope you will then, please write to me at:

bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi

Otherwise, if there is useful information in this response and you are so inclined would you do me a big favor by leaving a little written feedback with a STAR RATING of this inquiry? Also, if there are no other comments or questions would you please consider CLOSING THE QUERY on your end so that the network can properly credit this work and archive it for future reference?

This query required 14 minutes of physician directed time for review, research, and final draft documentation for envoy.

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Brief Answer:
Depends on what type of damage has occurred

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the clarification. Well, generically speaking treatment for any condition is based on a diagnosis. If an EMG/NCV study is being asked for then, chances are the person is either complaining of some type of:

1. Weakness
2. Pain/numbness/weird feelings
3. Clumsiness of the limb
4. Severe loss of tone or mass in a muscle group/twitchings etc.

So each and every one of the above reasons may have a completely different approach and type of treatment whether it be with medication or interventioin such as physical therapy, TENS unit placement, etc.

In some cases, the result of the EMG/NCV dictates that a nerve/muscle biopsy needs to be taken.

So, the answer to your question really depends upon the final diagnosis from the study which we'll have to wait on. Having said that, be sure you understand the fact that when I say, "diagnosis"...it is very possible that the actual diagnosis of what's going on is different from the diagnosis of the electrical study. Does that make sense? EMG's are simply electrical tests so they show the presence or absence of electrical conductance along a certain path of nerves. These studies do not necessarily give us final clinical diagnoses.

Again, the reason why it's not possible to guess on a treatment without knowing WHAT type of nerve damage is under discussion.

BTW, I notice that you mention that you are obese....may I ask by what amount? You could either tell me your BMI and I'll understand or give me an actual weight and height. Have you been checked for sleep apnea? That can often be a cause or at least contributing factor to feelings in the legs of uncomfortableness and so on.

If you'd like to direct future questions my way then, please write to me at:

bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi

Otherwise, if there is useful information in this response and you are so inclined would you do me a big favor by leaving a little written feedback with a STAR RATING?

Also, if there are no other comments or questions would you please consider CLOSING THE QUERY on your end so that the network can properly credit this work and archive it for future reference?

This query required 12 minutes of physician directed time for review, research, and final draft documentation for envoy.

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