EMG How, Who and Where?

[amymeri]

Hi Everyone

I haven't posted in a long time, but come back to read up on everyone's progress and issues every couple weeks.  I have facial paralysis and synkinesis 2.5 years post op.  I have never had an EMG and would like one, as well as to consider some biofeedback for some of the tightness in my face. 

I have already done facial retraining and botox but would like the additional information that EMG would provide.

For those of you who had it done:

Where did you go?
What kind of medical provider did you see?
Did you find it helpful?

Thanks!
Amy

[jazzfunkanne]

if you go on the site http://www.bellspalsy.ws/exercise.htm and look under treatment centres you will get a list of names there, also under the treatment section of this site there is a physio called todd who is only too happy to answer you questions he could give you names and address

[mimoore]

Hi Amy,
An EMG is an electromelogram - a test that gives important information about the health and functioning of the nerves and muscles in the face (or other areas of the body). It is performed by a neurologist specially trained in this procedure. I had mine done at St. Michaels Hopital in Toronto.
I had two tests, a Nerve Conduction Test, when they stick small surfave electrodes to your face. The nerves are stimulated with a small electric impulses.
Then the EMG, where they insert very fine needles just under the skin in four places (your chin, cheek, near eye, and forhead) {this did not hurt at all - just a tiny bit uncomfortable). Then you will be asked to relax and then contract the muscle benealth the needle. Recodings are made of the nerve and muscle activity in that area. The tests takes about 30 minutes.
I had this test done at six weeks post op and NOTHING - not a thing showed up. I was completely devasted UNTIL I found out it is only a snap shot in time meaning that, if no movement shows up it doesn't necessarily mean that movement will never come (unless of course you know for sure your nerve was cut during surgery). At four months post op I have a small bit of movement that has returned, around my lip and near my nose so I am hoping that is a good sign for more recovery. I will have another EMG in October and really I need to remind myself IT IS ONLY A SNAP SHOT IN TIME - DON'T STRESS! it was hard when the doctor looked at me and said "Nope nothing sorry" just like that... I remember thinking later you could sure learn some social skills buddy..
Good luck you will be fine. Keep in touch.
Michelle 

[saralynn143]

I also had an EMG done at about six weeks post-op. Mine was done at the Washington University Facial Nerve Center in St. Louis. Like Michelle, my test showed nothing. But the nerve specialist, an otolarnygologist, could see a little movement by my nose and at the corner of my lip, so he said the nerve is regenerating even if the test didn't show that. At that point I could not see the movement he was talking about, but at three months I could see movement myself.

I asked my doctor if I will be having repeat EMGs and he said he did not think it is necessary.

Where do you live?

Sara