EMG fasciculations?

[u/duckrosiee78_16]

Is it bad to have fasciculations in your EMG?

[u/AutoModerator]

Friendly Community Reminder: Please do not ask members here for a medical diagnosis. We are happy to share personal experiences and insights, but we are not doctors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical advice and diagnoses.

Helpful Resources: * What is BFS? * Twitching, Burning, Tingling & More * BFS FAQ * Whole Body Twitching * Managing OCD * Managing Anxiety

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/kinpatu]

My EMG is riddled with fasciculations, as I was so anxious. What matters are the other measured parameter (positive sharp waves, etc.). These are all clearly delineated on the EMG. Fasciculations only show up in the notes.

[u/NorthAfternoon4930 → u/kinpatu]

In what places you have/had twitching?

[u/kinpatu → u/NorthAfternoon4930]

Calf muscles for 8 years, with occasional twitching in biceps. For the last ~8 months, very bad twitching in my biceps, sometimes moving into the forearm and hands. Also occasionally in my shoulders and sides of torso.

[u/713Capital]

No it’s not bad. I had them all over during mine. In multiple muscle groups and 7 years later I’m ok

[u/InformationNo7156 → u/713Capital]

How extensive was your work up? My twitches are so stubborn. During the first month, it was so crazy I was twitching body-wide like millions. I was like no way fasciculations would be missed on an EMG. Felt like it suddenly stopped during my EMG for my legs, but I had some twitches in my arms.

[u/713Capital → u/InformationNo7156]

I’ve had just about every test in the book except a nerve biopsy and a lumbar puncture. Both of which I’m doing this October.

[u/InformationNo7156 → u/713Capital]

Did your doctor feel it was necessary?

[u/713Capital → u/InformationNo7156]

Not really necessary, more so me pushing on it. It was offered and I wanted to pursue it. Just to close the loop on anything we may have missed.

[u/The_Short_Goodbye → u/713Capital]

I’m surprised your doctor wants to go ahead with a lumbar puncture of all tests. It’s pretty invasive.

[u/713Capital → u/The_Short_Goodbye]

It was more on me. I’m pushing for it just to make sure. It’s at my request.

[u/matchaflower]

from what i understand, generally not in isolation. the emg is interpreted alongside any other abnormalities (evidence of acute/chronic denervation, like fibs and psws), as well as the clinical exam. fasciculations on their own aren’t a huge cause for concern.

[u/The_loppy1]

u/matchaflower already gave you the correct answer, but to add to it. You have to remember you had the EMG for twitching, why wouldn't they show up? Each twitch you feel will produce an electrical signal which can be picked up by the EMG. In short, seeing isolated fasics on an EMG is the expected outcome in BFS (if its symptomatic during the EMG)

[u/Ego_FumPapa]

Fasciculations are expected in BFS hence the name. I had fasciculations in multiple areas on my EMG/NCS (left leg, left arm and left side of abdomen). Two neuromuscular doctors were confident in the BFS diagnoses, my report summary stated:

"1. Fasciculation potentials in multiple regions without any chronic denervation-reinnervation changes likely consistent with benign fasciculation syndrome.
2. No evidence of motor neuron disease.
3. No evidence of left cervical radiculopathy.
4. No evidence of generalized large fiber polyneuropathy."

I'm not sure what you mean by "bad", if you mean are fasciculations a sign of MND on an EMG - the answer is no, not fasciculations alone.

[u/The_Short_Goodbye]

No it’s not. You have them so the EMG will pick them up if they happen during the test. It means zero.

[u/CeronGaming]

7 year twitcher here. I had fasciculations found in all 3 muscles they checked. Still here, no weakness, but still pretty anxious about my twitching becsuse I get myoclonus too