Re: Nerve Conduction Results

In Reply to: Re: Nerve Conduction Results posted by Mandi on October 23, 2003 at 23:58:33:

: If you look through information on the web about these tests, you'll find that they are only 50% accurate (either direction - sometimes they will say a healthy person has CTS while a severe unhealthy one does not!), so it may be wise to take things into your own hands (no pun intended!) and take care of yourself. I would highly advise getting all possible information you can via library or web, doctors...whatever, and put it all together, Make a decision as to the correct treatment for you and then just do it!

: Mandi

I agree with you on this one Mandi. I've heard of many cases where people quite obviously had cts but the nerve tested showed negative. I think I'll probably be having some testing for cubital ts myself sometime & have wondered what the tests will show. The surgeon who did my hands didn't even bother with the emg type tests but I happily went along with the surgery as the symptoms to my mind, were typical.

I think many tests can have results which aren't very accurate e.g. those little blood pressure monitors. I had my blood pressure tested in a drugstore lately on one of those little machines. I was alarmed to discover that it read 168/118. I then went to my doctor to have it done again & it was a ittle high but within normal limits. The doctor had my arm level with my heart & used a traditional sphyg machine with the stethoscope, the chemist had my arm facing downwards & he used a little digital machine. I'd go with the doc's result any day!
Evelyn

: : I haven't posted before but have learned so much from you all. I have had my family doctor AND a hand surgeon tell me I have CTS. I finally had this nerve conduction done today and the doctor doing the test tells me I have VERY CLASSIC symptons but that the test is not saying I have CTS. Symptoms have been going on since first of May. Waking up at night w/ "needles & pins" up and down my arm, progessing to numbnes 24 hr a day in thumb, index, middle finger. Very uncomfortable. I do go for a follow up next week. Can anyone shed any light on this test? Thanks