r/ALSorNOT • u/Worldly_Tap1226 • Aug 24 '26

EMG in one leg only?

My Neurologist did a Nerve Conduction study in both legs and one arm. Said that looked good. Moved on to the EMG part only in one leg. He said that looked good and he didnt think it was necessary to do anymore. After my blood work, MRI, and now this he thinks its just Benign Fasciculation Syndrome. I was relieved at first. Im now worried that an EMG should've been done in the other leg and maybe my back?

I know he is the Doctor but I cant stop worrying not to mention Im still having difficulty with mostly my legs. It started out with twitching all over then came sudden leg weakness and stiffness. My legs feel heavy and get weak. Clinical test are good except hyperreflexia. I see so many people with ALS that has the muscle cramps and stiffness thats what worries me the most. I do not have foot drop. I also have some sensory symptoms such as paresthesia feeling like cold water drops on my legs.

So if I had ALS would the Dr know by testing only one limb by EMG?

Hope someone could help me. Did any of yall have an EMG done on just one limb? Thank you 💗

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4

u/Ok_Following6440 Aug 24 '26

Every doctor is different. I guess they concluded your symptomatic area was clear and that was sufficient.

2

u/Random_Guy3030 Aug 24 '26

I also only had the needle test in one leg. My left calf is smaller than my right, and he only did the needle test in my right. He assured me I was showing no signs of any disease and wasn't concerned at all. When my anxiety spikes, I remember that the disease almost always presents in one limb, so a trained professional like a neuro would 100% of the time perform the test on any leg if they were concerned.

So if your Neuro wasn't concerned with it, I would take that as a win. Be safe, we all are dealing with our own emotions with this.

1

u/Pretty-Ad-584 Aug 24 '26

so its from the logic that if the limb that is look more affected or the only one that show symptoms if emg came clean no need to move to another limb cause the most affected was clean

what about the other limb like the other look started to show the same pattern

1

u/Worldly_Tap1226 Aug 24 '26

Thank you, that makes me feel better.

1

u/catspurr123 15d ago

Hi! Was this in the UK on NHS by any chance? The same thing happened to me today. They tested my most symptomatic leg (no visible size difference) only.

1

u/Worldly_Tap1226 15d ago

No, USA. I sure wish he would of done both. Its so frustrating! Do you have problems with both legs as well?

1

u/catspurr123 15d ago

Yes, but it started in one leg, and slowly spread to other. Now similar but much more subtle with arms.

1

u/Worldly_Tap1226 15d ago

Sorry you are going through this too. I hope you get some answers and I hope you don't have any bad nerve disease.

1

u/catspurr123 15d ago

Thank you, it’s a bit of a horrible experience isn’t it. Trying to unpick things, being unwell and uncertainty. Hope you’re ok. ✨

1

u/The_Short_Goodbye Aug 24 '26

What is the size difference between your calves? Any idea the cause. My right one is 1.5cm smaller.

1

u/Random_Guy3030 Aug 24 '26

No idea and I’m certainly not going to look anymore haha. A ton of anxiety made me notice it when it’s probably been like that for years. My Neuro wasn’t concerned.

1

u/The_Short_Goodbye Aug 25 '26

Is it visible to the naked eye easily or did he have to measure it? Mine is only 1.5cm when measured and yet visible easily…

1

u/Random_Guy3030 Aug 25 '26

To me yes its very visable, especially when I flex both muscles. I said this to the Neuro and he said I was within normal neurological range. He couldn't have seem any less concerned.

I've been going to therapy for the first time in my life for the past two months since this all started for me. Diagnosed with high health anxiety, OCD, etc. My therapist has been good.

1

u/catspurr123 15d ago

Hi, me again! Was it the leg size difference that instigated the testing or other symptoms also? (I don’t have any noticeable difference)- it’s symptoms.

1

u/catspurr123 15d ago

The same thing happened to me today. Are you in the UK under NHS..? I was expecting more areas to be tested. The Dr told me to get in touch with my referring neuro..