This past week I learned that I possibly have Chiari 1 Malformation. The MRI report said 5 mm. I am set to have an EMG test Dec. 10th and then finally get to meet a neurologist on Dec. 12th. What should I expect to happen at either apt. all I got for info for the EMG is a release form. What does a initial neuro apt actually look like? I have never met the dr and do not know what to ask or push for.
Thanks
Hi doodlebug and welcome. Sorry to hear about the herniation but you have come to the right place to get information and more than anything else, just a bunch of caring people that have sometimes "been there and done that" and may be able to offer advice. I am new member myself so I can't speak to a lot of the specifics about Chiari but I have had an EMG as well as many Neurologist visits so I might be able to offer some advice. By all means, I am not a doctor so don't take anything I say to heart. Not an expert by any means.
An EMG is an Electromyography. Some specifics can be found here http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/emg/MY00107. I had am EMG completed at the Mayo Clinic and let me start off by saying it is not anywhere near as bad as it sounds. Basically an EMG is used to measure your muscles response to stimulus as well as read the muscles natural electrical current. This is done in two ways and both are normally conducted within the same appointment. For me, the first part was measuring nerve conduction using sensors placed at various places on the limb or section that they are working on and delivering a very small electrical pulse. The pulse causes your muscles to react and contract and the amount of the pulse that travels through the muscle is measured with the sensors. These sensors are usually small sticky sensors attached with adhesive like you see from a heart monitor or EKG. The second part of the EMG measures your muscles pulses. This is done by a doctor who inserts very small needles into the muscle and possibly having you bend or flex to cause the muscle to tense so a signal can be obtained. You can usually hear the pulse of your muscle over a speaker during the test as well, which I found interesting. I was a little apprehensive about the test before getting it done due to the natural thoughts that come from needles and electricity but it wasn't nearly as offending as I thought it would be.
As far as your first appointment with a Neurologist, that all really depends on your symptoms and what you're there to consult him/her about as well as the Doctor themself. Some things to expect are simply giving your medical history and speaking to him about your symptoms as well as a general exam and possibly some neurological test. The neurological test can include a variety of things such as following a pen or light with your eyes, walking up and down the hallway as well as walking on your heels and toes. The neurologist will use a variety of minor things like that to evaluate your balance and coordination, gate, reflexes, muscle tone and weakness, etc.
I hope this helps and by all means if you have any further questions please ask. I am sure some others will chime in on their experiences and tips as well.
Thanks,
Poorbutrich