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How do you know if you have Peripheral Neuropathy?
We have all experienced a temporary “pins and needles” sensation in the hands or feet when we fall asleep on our arms or sit with our legs crossed for a long time. In most cases, this is temporary and commonly harmless; it could result from pressure on nerves. The numbness and tingling feeling will be relieved soon by removing the pressure that caused it.
However, In some other cases, it can be severe and chronic, denoting a more serious condition. It may also accompany other symptoms such as itching, pain, numbness, or weakness in or around your hands and feet. In such cases, you may suffer from nerve damage, also known as peripheral neuropathy.
Pins and needles sensation in your hands or feet have many causes, such as injuries, toxic exposures, bacterial or viral infections, pressure, trauma, and certain diseases such as diabetes. Peripheral neuropathy is a common condition. It is estimated that more than 20 million Americans, especially the elderly, suffer from peripheral neuropathy. This condition can affect nerves distant from the brain and spinal cord, like hands and feet. Over time, it can lead to a loss of mobility and even disability.
We have all experienced a temporary “pins and needles” sensation in the hands or feet when we fall asleep on our arms or sit with our legs crossed for a long time. In most cases, this is temporary and commonly harmless; it could result from pressure on nerves. The numbness and tingling feeling will be relieved soon by removing the pressure that caused it.
However, In some other cases, it can be severe and chronic, denoting a more serious condition. It may also accompany other symptoms such as itching, pain, numbness, or weakness in or around your hands and feet. In such cases, you may suffer from nerve damage, also known as peripheral neuropathy.
Pins and needles sensation in your hands or feet have many causes, such as injuries, toxic exposures, bacterial or viral infections, pressure, trauma, and certain diseases such as diabetes. Peripheral neuropathy is a common condition. It is estimated that more than 20 million Americans, especially the elderly, suffer from peripheral neuropathy. This condition can affect nerves distant from the brain and spinal cord, like hands and feet. Over time, it can lead to a loss of mobility and even disability.
If you suspect you may have a form of peripheral neuropathy, you may need to visit a neurologist, a doctor who specializes in diseases of the nerves. Dr Pankiewicz will begin by taking a history of your symptoms and examining you for signs of muscle weakness, numbness, and impaired reflexes. You may need blood and urine tests to check for diabetes, vitamin or metabolic deficiencies and the presence of any underlying disease or genetic defect that may be affecting nerve function. You’ll also need to take a serious look at your alcohol intake and what medications you are taking.
You may also be given an electromyogram (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) tests, which is used to assess nerve and muscle function and measure the electrical properties of the nerves. Using these tests, the doctor can often pinpoint the abnormal nerves and determine which part of their structure is damaged. Call 281-937-7653 for an appointment with Dr Pankiewicz.
How Do You Know If You Have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
You may also be given an electromyogram (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) tests, which is used to assess nerve and muscle function and measure the electrical properties of the nerves. Using these tests, the doctor can often pinpoint the abnormal nerves and determine which part of their structure is damaged. Call 281-937-7653 for an appointment with Dr Pankiewicz.
How Do You Know If You Have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms usually start gradually and include:
- Tingling or numbness. You may notice tingling and numbness in the fingers or hand. Usually the thumb and index, middle or ring fingers are affected, but not the little finger. You might feel a sensation like an electric shock in these fingers.
The sensation may travel from the wrist up the arm. These symptoms often occur while holding a steering wheel, phone or newspaper, or may wake you from sleep.
Many people "shake out" their hands to try to relieve their symptoms. The numb feeling may become constant over time. - Weakness. You may experience weakness in the hand and drop objects. This may be due to the numbness in the hand or weakness of the thumb's pinching muscles, which are also controlled by the median nerve.
How Do You Know If You Have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Dr Pankiewicz may use several tests to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome and rule out other causes of hand and wrist pain.
She will start with questions about your medical history. Then she will do a physical exam of your hands, arms, shoulders, and neck. She will figure out if your pain is due to another condition, like an injury or arthritis. She'll also make sure your daily activities aren’t to blame.
The doctor may focus on your wrist to see if the area is tender, swollen, warm, or discolored. She'll probably test each finger to see if you’ve lost any feeling and check the strength of the muscles in your hand.
After that, she may perform EMG (Electromyography), nerve conduction tests in the office. She'll test the median nerve, which runs through your forearm into your hand. When that nerve gets pressed or squeezed through the carpal tunnel, it causes carpal tunnel syndrome. There are several methods of treatment, surgical and non-surgical that would be recommended. Call 281-937-7653 for an appointment.
Dr Pankiewicz may use several tests to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome and rule out other causes of hand and wrist pain.
She will start with questions about your medical history. Then she will do a physical exam of your hands, arms, shoulders, and neck. She will figure out if your pain is due to another condition, like an injury or arthritis. She'll also make sure your daily activities aren’t to blame.
The doctor may focus on your wrist to see if the area is tender, swollen, warm, or discolored. She'll probably test each finger to see if you’ve lost any feeling and check the strength of the muscles in your hand.
After that, she may perform EMG (Electromyography), nerve conduction tests in the office. She'll test the median nerve, which runs through your forearm into your hand. When that nerve gets pressed or squeezed through the carpal tunnel, it causes carpal tunnel syndrome. There are several methods of treatment, surgical and non-surgical that would be recommended. Call 281-937-7653 for an appointment.
EMG Nerve Testing Electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic test that measures how well the muscles respond to the electrical signals emitted to specialized nerve cells called motor nerves.
A doctor may order an EMG test if a person has symptoms of a muscular or neurological condition, such as numbness or unexplained weakness in the limbs.
Doctors often conduct EMG tests in conjunction with nerve conduction velocity (NCV) tests. An NCV test is another type of electrodiagnostic test that doctors can use to identify damaged or impaired nerves.
EMG and NCV tests are safe procedures that pose little risk of serious side effects or complications. However, they may cause discomfort and bruising at the entry point of the needle.
Purpose
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A person may have an EMG to help diagnose a muscular or neurological condition.Motor nerve cells, or neurons, transmit electrical signals from the central nervous system to the muscles. The electrical signals from the nerves trigger muscle contractions.
Motor nerves control skeletal muscle activity, such as walking, speaking, and breathing.
Damaged or diseased muscle fibers do not function or respond to nerve impulses appropriately.
If the motor nerves are damaged or diseased, they can send abnormal electrical signals to the muscles.
A doctor may order an EMG test if a person has symptoms of a muscle or nerve condition.
Such symptoms may include:
EMG is an outpatient procedure that can take place at a hospital or an office clinic.
Neurologists and physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians perform EMG tests. Neurologists specialize in treating, diagnosing, and managing conditions affecting the nervous system.
A neurologist can administer an EMG test alone or with the help of a specially trained technician.
How to prepareA neurologist will explain how the procedure works and what to expect during and after the test. At this point, a person can bring up any questions they have with the neurologist.
A person should notify the neurologist if they:
Needle EMG procedure
A needle EMG test measures how well the muscles respond to electrical impulses.
A neurologist or assisting technician will insert one or more thin, sterile needles into the muscle. This may cause some minor discomfort in some people.
The needles detect the electrical activity of muscles at rest and while contracted.
The needle electrodes transmit this information to a device called an oscilloscope, which displays electrical signals as waves.
Once the test is finished, the neurologist or technician will remove the needle or needles.
This test usually examines several nerves and muscles and lasts about 1 hourTrusted Source, but it may take longer depending on how many nerves the neurologist wants to test.
NCV procedure
A neurologist will most often administer an EMG test alongside an NCV test, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
An NCV test measures the strength and speed of electrical impulses as they move through nerves. Doctors often use these results alongside those of an EMG test to get a full picture of what is going on with a person’s nerves.
During an NCV test, the neurologist will ask a person to sit or lie down. Once the person is ready, they will attach a recording electrode to the skin above the nerve or nerves under investigation. They will attach a second electrode about 20 millimeters away.
This electrode emits low voltage electric shocks that activate the nerve.
Some people may experience mild discomfort during this part of the test. However, the electric shocks should not cause pain, and any discomfort usually resolves once the test is over.
The recording electrode detects the electrical impulse as it passes through the nerve and transmits the response to a computer monitor.
After the procedureAfter an EMG test, the neurologist or technician will clean the skin, and a person should be able to return to their normal activities.
However, they may experience some soreness and bruising for a few days afterward.
Risks EMG tests carry minimal risk of severe complications or side effects. However, many people do experience muscle pain during or after a needle EMG.
Resting and taking over-the-counter pain relievers can help relieve muscle pain faster, but this side effect usually resolves on its own within a few days
In very rare cases, a person may experience swelling of the soft tissues (lymphedema) or a skin infection near the puncture site after a needle EMG test.
Some people may experience more discomfort or pain during an NCV test.
ResultsIf the neurologist who ordered the EMG test is present, they may review a person’s results immediately.
Both EMG and NCV tests can help doctors identify the underlying cause of any neuromuscular symptoms.
EMG test resultsIf the muscles are healthy, an EMG test should detect little electrical activity when the muscle is relaxed.
A burst of electrical activity, or a “motor unit action potential,” appears when a nerve stimulates a muscle contraction.
If an EMG test detects electrical activity in a relaxed muscle, it may be due to:
Anyone who has concerns or questions about their test result or treatment plan should speak with their doctor.
A doctor may order an EMG test if a person has symptoms of a muscular or neurological condition, such as numbness or unexplained weakness in the limbs.
Doctors often conduct EMG tests in conjunction with nerve conduction velocity (NCV) tests. An NCV test is another type of electrodiagnostic test that doctors can use to identify damaged or impaired nerves.
EMG and NCV tests are safe procedures that pose little risk of serious side effects or complications. However, they may cause discomfort and bruising at the entry point of the needle.
Purpose
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A person may have an EMG to help diagnose a muscular or neurological condition.Motor nerve cells, or neurons, transmit electrical signals from the central nervous system to the muscles. The electrical signals from the nerves trigger muscle contractions.
Motor nerves control skeletal muscle activity, such as walking, speaking, and breathing.
Damaged or diseased muscle fibers do not function or respond to nerve impulses appropriately.
If the motor nerves are damaged or diseased, they can send abnormal electrical signals to the muscles.
A doctor may order an EMG test if a person has symptoms of a muscle or nerve condition.
Such symptoms may include:
- muscle weakness or stiffness
- muscle wasting
- twitching, cramping, or spasms
- loss of fine motor control
- difficulty speaking, chewing, or swallowing
- persistent pain in the feet, legs, arms, or hands
- numbness, tingling, or paralysis in the limbs
EMG is an outpatient procedure that can take place at a hospital or an office clinic.
Neurologists and physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians perform EMG tests. Neurologists specialize in treating, diagnosing, and managing conditions affecting the nervous system.
A neurologist can administer an EMG test alone or with the help of a specially trained technician.
How to prepareA neurologist will explain how the procedure works and what to expect during and after the test. At this point, a person can bring up any questions they have with the neurologist.
A person should notify the neurologist if they:
- take any over-the-counter or prescription medications, especially blood thinners
- have a bleeding disorder
- have a cardiac defibrillator or pacemaker
- Bathe or take a shower the night before or the morning of the test to remove excess oil from the skin.
- Avoid applying lotions, creams, or body oils for a few days before the test.
- Dress in comfortable, loose-fitting clothes.
- Remove any jewelry, watches, eyewear, or other metal objects before the procedure.
Needle EMG procedure
A needle EMG test measures how well the muscles respond to electrical impulses.
A neurologist or assisting technician will insert one or more thin, sterile needles into the muscle. This may cause some minor discomfort in some people.
The needles detect the electrical activity of muscles at rest and while contracted.
The needle electrodes transmit this information to a device called an oscilloscope, which displays electrical signals as waves.
Once the test is finished, the neurologist or technician will remove the needle or needles.
This test usually examines several nerves and muscles and lasts about 1 hourTrusted Source, but it may take longer depending on how many nerves the neurologist wants to test.
NCV procedure
A neurologist will most often administer an EMG test alongside an NCV test, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
An NCV test measures the strength and speed of electrical impulses as they move through nerves. Doctors often use these results alongside those of an EMG test to get a full picture of what is going on with a person’s nerves.
During an NCV test, the neurologist will ask a person to sit or lie down. Once the person is ready, they will attach a recording electrode to the skin above the nerve or nerves under investigation. They will attach a second electrode about 20 millimeters away.
This electrode emits low voltage electric shocks that activate the nerve.
Some people may experience mild discomfort during this part of the test. However, the electric shocks should not cause pain, and any discomfort usually resolves once the test is over.
The recording electrode detects the electrical impulse as it passes through the nerve and transmits the response to a computer monitor.
After the procedureAfter an EMG test, the neurologist or technician will clean the skin, and a person should be able to return to their normal activities.
However, they may experience some soreness and bruising for a few days afterward.
Risks EMG tests carry minimal risk of severe complications or side effects. However, many people do experience muscle pain during or after a needle EMG.
Resting and taking over-the-counter pain relievers can help relieve muscle pain faster, but this side effect usually resolves on its own within a few days
In very rare cases, a person may experience swelling of the soft tissues (lymphedema) or a skin infection near the puncture site after a needle EMG test.
Some people may experience more discomfort or pain during an NCV test.
ResultsIf the neurologist who ordered the EMG test is present, they may review a person’s results immediately.
Both EMG and NCV tests can help doctors identify the underlying cause of any neuromuscular symptoms.
EMG test resultsIf the muscles are healthy, an EMG test should detect little electrical activity when the muscle is relaxed.
A burst of electrical activity, or a “motor unit action potential,” appears when a nerve stimulates a muscle contraction.
If an EMG test detects electrical activity in a relaxed muscle, it may be due to:
- neuropathy
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- inflammation of the muscle tissue (myositis)
- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- spinal muscular atrophy
- carpal tunnel syndrome
Anyone who has concerns or questions about their test result or treatment plan should speak with their doctor.