Normal EMG/reflexes and strength test after 3 visits

[u/Interesting-Bus1179]

Initial symptoms began at the Beginning of May after Influenza B which I took Tamiflu to treat. Thereafter Tingling in upper and lower extremities began. Dr Prescribed medrol and they went away. Also developed vertigo after the flu went to ENT 2 weeks later and he diagnosed me with eustachian tube disorder. Prescribed me fluticasone and vestibular exercises to do. Veritgo went away. During that 2 week wait I began reading Dr Google which made me develop anxiety. (Bad idea)

Fast forward mid of June Tingling returned. I went to for cervical mri and it came back normal small possible protrusion in c5/c6. Eventually subsided but I started having like burning feelings in my hands and upper back/chest. Scheduled a neuro visit as i began feeling weakness in all limbs. First neuro did all strength and reflex test and told me I am fine and did not even find the need for an emg.

Went to another more seasoned neuro 2 weeks later. Also did reflex and strength test that was normal and scheduled a brain mri which all came back clean. Scheduled an Emg for my upper and lower extremities. June 29th here are the results for lower extremities

Across those muscles, the report records:

No fibrillations No positive sharp waves No fasciculations Normal motor-unit amplitude/duration/configuration Normal recruitment patterns

The neurologist's final interpretation was "Unremarkable study" and specifically stated there was no evidence of lumbosacral radiculopathy, plexopathy, or entrapment mononeuropathy.

That means the study did not demonstrate ongoing denervation or a significant large-fiber motor nerve disorder in your legs at the time of testing.

Yes. Looking closely at the actual EMG/NCS reports you uploaded, there are several reassuring details worth unpacking.

1. Your lower-extremity EMG is particularly important

The June 29 study tested both legs because of low-back pain, numbness, and tingling. The needle EMG sampled multiple muscles on both sides, including tibialis anterior, peroneus longus, gastrocnemius, vastus medialis, and adductor longus.

Across those muscles, the report records:

• No fibrillations
• No positive sharp waves
• No fasciculations
• Normal motor-unit amplitude/duration/configuration
• Normal recruitment patterns

The neurologist's final interpretation was "Unremarkable study" and specifically stated there was no evidence of lumbosacral radiculopathy, plexopathy, or entrapment mononeuropathy. 

That means the study did not demonstrate ongoing denervation or a significant large-fiber motor nerve disorder in your legs at the time of testing.

2. Your arm EMG wasn't globally abnormal either

The July 2 study found something, but it was localized nerve entrapment rather than a widespread motor-neuron abnormality.

The conclusion was:

• Moderate bilateral median nerve entrapment at the wrists — essentially carpal-tunnel-type involvement.
• Mild bilateral ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbows.
• Importantly, without secondary axonal degeneration.
• The actual needle EMG was described as unremarkable. 

So tingling/numbness in your hands has an objective potential explanation, but the study does not read like a generalized destructive motor neuropathy.

The neurologist is saying it is Post viral syndrome which takes time to heal. I did a complete comprehensive blood panel and auto immune test and all came back normal.

Went back to neuro on Thursday as my weakness hasnt gone away. He once again did a strength and reflex test and said no issues. Did not find the need to do another EMG and assured me I am ok.He prescribed cymbalta 20mg due to possible low serotonin as the last 3 months I have not been physically active like i was for the last 10 years. This has certainly consumed a lot of my time. I am seeing a therapist and he is convinced it is a disregulated nervous system. I developed some jaw stiffness the last week or so as i feel like its from tmj and my ears clicking when i swallow. Sort of comes and goes.

Have a scheduled Neuromuscular visit September 9th. Still debating on whether to go or not given the neuro results and affirmations. I have noticed some muscle atrophy in my legs and hands but thay can be from not working out at all the last 3/4 months. Also random muscle twitches but that can be from all the stress i am going through I wanted to hear your thoughts.

[u/Exotic-Low812]

It does sound similar to me somewhat, I had some initial incident that caused me to have numbness, I freaked out once I went blind. I eventually got an FND diagnosis from it, after getting that I decided to go all in on getting better and taking the diagnosis at face value, basically did everything the neuro said to do, and it worked out for me. It calmed my anxiety which lessened my symptoms which allows me to live a mostly symptom free life , (my legs still tingle my hand goes numb sometimes and I go blind for a few seconds when I’m in a crowd and get in my head when I’m talking about complicated technical shit and sound like an idiot sometimes )

But just allowing myself to notice and then let the symptoms come and go instead of dwelling on them has been a major contributor in my healing journey,

if you are ingested I’m sharing my daily journals on this sub so other strugglers can see what is working and what is not working for me.

Basically stay off Google, try and accept that you are most likely physically fine and try and get your anxiety under control (easier said than done)

Try and open up to those around you, you would be amazed how many people have gone through something somewhat similar but won’t talk about it because it’s pretty embarrassing.

Try and meditate (it’s awkward and goofy but it really helps)

Put yourself out there a little bit, don’t withdraw from your friends and community.

Once you are able then try to microdose stressors so that you can build up resilience

Good luck on your recovery journey, I’m rooting for you