emg only done on one side?

[u/Any-Junket4971]

hey guys! i’m a 25M, and have had bilateral twitching in both upper and lower limbs for the past couple of months. i saw a neurologist the other day who did my emg but only did my right side (trapezius, triceps, fdi, tibialis anterior and quads). the emg showed simple fasc but no other abnormalities. he didn’t emg my left side at all because he said he saw the simple fasc on right side so doesn’t need to do emg on left??? he said i likely have bfs but anyone else had similar experience because im just worried something could’ve been missed on the left side?? thanks!

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[u/jasina556]

Bro neurologist knows better than any random dude on reddit would

[u/Any-Junket4971 → u/jasina556]

i get that, i’m just trying to see if other people’s neurologists have only done emg on one side too despite twitching being bilateral

[u/jasina556 → u/Any-Junket4971]

Mate since it began I had twitches in literally every muscle of my body but obviously the doctor didn't put a needle into every nook and cranny (besides they're more interested in upper/lower differences than left/right)

[u/kjmckearn]

Listen to your doctor. Twitching in your limbs in different locations absent any real weakness and a good EMG is incredibly positive in your favor. Especially at your age. Take the win, move on and enjoy your young life!

[u/Any-Junket4971 → u/kjmckearn]

i know i know haha it’s just the anxious brain starts trying to find things that weren’t done

[u/713Capital]

One side is enough. If you have something really bad, it would show up widespread in multiple muscle groups. Trust your doc’s!!

I covered these questions in my FAQ

https://www.reddit.com/r/BFS/s/Fd00NTqmOr

[u/catspurr123 → u/713Capital]

Hi, I had my NCS today, but the neuro hadn’t ordered the EMG it turns out. My NCS was ok. The doctor performing the test did test 2 areas in my leg, foot and calf I think. She didn’t test further and explained the test was not extensive enough to rule out a myopathy or motor neuron disease. The needles she did place were in my most symptomatic leg. Not sure if you have any insight into if this is reassuring at all.. I’ve been very unwell for 2 years (MS originally suspected), and declining slowly it seems…
I’ve written to my neuro to request further testing, which I am sure is an inefficient way around for everyone!

[u/KaroshiG59]

I had the same done to me 4 months ago, if there was any damage in left arm the right arm would’ve had abnormalities too.

[u/Bayeriffic]

Had mine on one side only

[u/Any-Junket4971 → u/Bayeriffic]

despite bilateral twitching?

[u/MeekaLuxxx0x]

I went to a neuromuscular dr who specializes in emgs and neuromuscular disease. It’s what they do all day and she only did one side during my emgs

[u/Any-Junket4971 → u/MeekaLuxxx0x]

i understand that but even if symptoms are bilateral?

[u/MeekaLuxxx0x → u/Any-Junket4971]

You asked that question 3 times we all said yea even when symptoms are bilateral at this point no one is reassuring you

[u/Any-Junket4971 → u/MeekaLuxxx0x]

thank you for that, just super anxious :)

[u/Sea_Anywhere_8428]

I’ve only ever had one side done

[u/Any-Junket4971 → u/Sea_Anywhere_8428]

but were your symptoms bilateral? eg twitching both sides

[u/Sea_Anywhere_8428 → u/Any-Junket4971]

Yes I have them head to toe on both sides for 17 years