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What Do The Following EMG Result Suggest?

Posted on Mon, 15 Jun 2015

Question: Would you be interested in me downloading EMG results? I'm getting ready for chance to have issues from surgeries - tears - and wonder if results correlate to pain. I received Acupuncture then, on own, steroid injections; left only to drugs. Having to sort through in order to tell new provider what to check. Already have great insight from a dr on your site. Pain is crippling; prior to MCA and surgeries, I was pain free

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please upload EMG results.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your query and understand your concerns.

You can upload the EMG results and I will try to help you through.

Please describe the pain, its distribution, frequency.

I remain at your disposal for further questions and clarifications.

Best regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (6 hours later)

I would have to go back four years after a MVA that wasn't treated; surgery scared into (24"colon removed - slight prolapse) infection leaving hospital. Hernia repair; bad outcome but treated for four years for chronic pain - this sounds like an awful book of fiction but it is fact . I left the provider/military and am suffering so much - aside from surgeries, I had two EMG's with abnormalities in L4, L5, S1 but no guidance. New beginning new EMG but dr said I was only there for tests so no answer - my leg has bothered since accident but now, when I sit on tailbone/resection area, leg from knee down to include ankle and top of rt foot burn - only when I sit. Excruciating pressure/ pain in area near sacrum but it's also where he did end to side resection. I have advice from one of your colleagues as I will have new tests; EMG was beginning. Sorry. I got treated for chronic pain until I requested safe withdrawal. I live a nightmare; lost in cracks and Chronic Pain closed doors. Told surgery could help back. No longer pain I had from MVA; but, surgery pain and hernia pain is making me sick. I wonder if EMG can differentiate between L4, L5, S1 and sacrum, which shows problem.
Apologize for length. Was told surgery could cause the "ridiculopathy" pain. Not one dr has spent time w/me like those on your site. It's a lot to ask of you. It seems my fee should increase. I do stumble; unsure, but inactive. I would think after test, advice as to how to help would be given.
Moderator may not approve of this. I've never met Drs who spend time like those on site. Am getting new tests, new eyes.
Thank you and I understand if I'm asking too much.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (53 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
EMG guided by neurologic examination.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

EMG is the appropriate test to differentiate exactly radiculopathy between nerves of lumbosacral plexus ( L3,L4,L5,S1,S2 ), when there is strong clinical evidence of nerve involvement ( in your case pain related to position).

EMG shows and the "spot" or area where the nerve is compressed, ( if it is compressed), or can evaluate another possibility of neuropathy that is the metabolic one.

Surgery at sacral area can cause nerve involvement by creating (fibrosis), or scar tissue around the nerves.

So, an EMG guided by a correct clinical and neurologic examination diagnoses exactly the problem.

Hope this helps. I remain at your disposal for further questions and clarifications.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (50 minutes later)

I will download report tomorrow - no obligation. Can't see Neurologist until August. I feel I get so much from this site; it seems unfair that Drs are so busy here, one is rushed in and out. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Waiting for the report.

Detailed Answer:
Okay, we'll get in touch.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (13 hours later)

I sent EMG. As I said, I understand I'm asking a lot. Can't get answers here so know how much I appreciate your time - I hope, after all of this is done, you and others on your site come away with knowledge and understanding how easy it is to get lost in the cracks. Thank you so very much!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Pinched nerves above the sacrum level.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back XXXX.

EMG you uploaded shows that the nerve involvement is above the sacrum and exactly is located at your lumbar vertebral column.

Right radiculopathy at L3?-L4, L4-L5 level most probably is caused by pinched nerves at their exits from vertebral column by herniated disc disease, spondyloarthritis ( bone spurs).

If you haven't done imaging studies of lumbosacral column, this is the next step in order to diagnose correctly the cause of your pain. ( lumbar column x-rays, column MRI ).

Since there's radiculopathy, antineuralgic drugs should help improve your symptoms.

As always, these issues should be discussed with your treating Doctor.

Hope I helped you. Wishing good health.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (58 minutes later)

Could this cause extreme pain; know some of pain is from surgeries, but EMG enough to
O warrant test? Thank you!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Radiculopathy can cause severe pain.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

Radiculopathy can cause severe pain.

I understand there is pain related to surgery, but radiculopathy at lumbar level could be a "part" of the overall pain (supported by EMG) that may be relieved.

As I said before, clinical neurologic evaluation and imaging studies ( MRI) needed to properly diagnose this possibility.

Hope this helps. Best regards.

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad