Is it possible to have a negative nerve conduction test but such bad nerve pain and burning and tingling? I don't understand why nothing is showing.. I'm sure something is being missed
Re my nerve conduction test results - Pain Concern
Re my nerve conduction test results
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Rocky1
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45 Replies
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Hello
BOB here
I have same problem that effects legs and arms, hands. Possibly it may be effecting nerve and tendon sheaf and if you are in remission it may not show up as this problem if swelling has decreased and nerve endings have no swelling etc around them, The problem may be only happening if the body is held in a certain way for example holding a steering wheel in a car.
All is hypothetical so further tests may need to be taken, as nerves can be trapped at certain times if there have been effected that will cause problems with things like sciatica
I do not know if this has been any help, as this can be a problem when you have restricted movement
I have had a nerve conduction test. My recollection was that they are painful. My nerve conduction test showed everything was okay. The chiropractor and MRI scans showed that things were not okay.
A nerve conduction test shows that the main nerve that the current goes through is intact. It will not show if the nerve is been compromised by muscle or disc compression.
The nerve conduction test cannot test the who;e nerve. This is because the electrodes must make contact with the nerve. Thus there may be problems with the nerve above the contact points of the electrodes. This is what the MRI scans showed in my case with inpingment on the root nerve.
A nerve conduction test does not investigate the brain commands which tell somethig to move or not. The brain commands are dependant on a number of other things such what messages it is receiving from the rest of the body.
What I found interesting is that after my nerve conduction test some things which refused to work before began working.
I also had a nerve conduction test. I felt nothing on my right arm but definitely felt it on my left. My test also came back normal. I have pins and needles in my ring finger and little pinky uncomfortable pain up to my elbow so much so if I bump it or even try and lean on my elbow my hand will go into a spasm..dont know what to do now... I know something's been missed.... Can anyone suggest help
Where were the needles inserted? You can only do a nerve conduction test between needles.
It is worth investigating over contracted muscle. It is also worth investigating muscle pulling structures onto nerve roots. This is chiropractor and Alexander technique territory.
Medical consultants have little or no understanding of how muscle behaviour can cause pain and discomfort conditions.
Leaning on elbow can produce forces into spine. If posture is in certain position and muscles in certain condition you will get pressure on nerve roots. This cannot be picked up by MRI or nerve conduction test.
You must develop the tools to do your own investigating. Worth trying yoga under a yoga teacher who can help you get in touch with how your body behaves under various conditions. See a McTimony chiropractor to investigate any micro cramps in your back.
Hope this helps.
This is a terrible reply & a wealth of incorrect information! I sure hope everything turned out ok for you. However, the information in this reply was terrible!
I have had nerve problems for 2 and a half years with increasing pain and tingling in feet, legs, hands and arms. I have had loads of tests done including nerve conduction tests (ouch) and these all came back normal. The pain I feel is NOT normal though. The neuro doesn't want to see me again and I have been advised to manage the pain through the Pain Clinic and I am hoping to go on a pain management course in November. Until then I have nothing!! Not satisfied with this, I went to my GP and asked to be tested for Hugh's syndrome and he has referred me to a rheumatologist. I am not satisfied that just because the neuros can't find anything, that there is nothing to find! The meds I have been tried with either don't work or the side effects are so awful that I cannot have a normal existence i.e. go to work. Good luck with everything and I hope you find the answer soon x x
Find different GP and Neuro or Orthopedic, Spine specialist. Your spine is where the nerves to your extremities can be compressed causing this tingling or numbing sensation. If there is something wrong with your vertebral column, the radiologist will note it--but first you need an order for an MRI with contrast or a scan. Good luck. My name isn't Epstein, but my screen name here is.
I'm so Sorry for you, I have had this pain since December, they can't find anything wrong, I have had Mri, xrays, you name it. I won't have lumbar epidural I'm to afraid. But I'm also having anxiety, because of the pain. Been on relafen, gabapentin, to many side affects. I hope this goes away soon. Can't hardly sit or drive.
• in reply todsireanswers
Have you had any flluoquinolone antibioctics in the last 3 months or longer. The side effects are exactly what you describe. That stuff is poison. Go on the site Floxy hope.
Have a blood test done for what is called Hughes Syndrome
I've had nerve conduction tests done too - my physiotherapist says there are definite signs of nerve damage but no signs of it in the conduction tests!
I was sent to Edinburgh to have these nerve tests but like so many tests I have had they came Hey the sun shinesback blank negative. I feel like I have been tested all over and gradually they come back to wear we started. I still have pins and needles continually I still have the pains in my legs feet by it allhips etc etc so fibro arthritis ostoporrosis etc etc very tiring and very sore today . I feel worn down , Hey the sun shines 
pick myself up I shall go sit in it xgins
I experience horrendous sensory neuropathy. Likewise, my nerve conduction tests last year were negative - apart from confirming I had carpal tunnel, that is. Basically the doc doing the test said it showed I did not have peripheral neuropathy but as the tests show only damage in the long fibre nerves, he could not rule out damage to the short fibres. However, despite his knowing from his examination that I had little or no feeling in the soles of my feet, the neurologist decided he did not want to follow me up - so basically no help for the burning, throbbing, tingling, insatiable itching, the lancinating electric shocks or the paraesthesia I get, nor any acknowledgement that he even believed I was experiencing these symptoms. (Sorry, I didn't mean to rant). To answer your question... no, probably nothing has been missed, its just that these tests don't pick everything up. It doesn't mean there isn't a problem, which does not help us one bit really, particularly if medication is failing us too.
Waterlilly, sorry to hear you have this too. I have similar sensations and the vibrations throughout my body are horrific and getting worse. it makes me feel like they don't believe me. I don't want tablets as they don't work and have side effects .. So I guess there is no test for short fibre nerves..
I think biopsy is the only way and I certainly wasn't offered that - probably not available in UK. These links might help explain small fibre neuropathy.
ccjm.org/content/76/5/297.full
I have given up on the pills too - they dont work and as the dose is titrated upwards in the hope of becoming effective for the pain, you end up like 2 ton zombie after a few weeks . The increased weight impacts on my spine/hips further decreasing my mobility, not to mention setting one up for all sorts of other health issues such as diabetes and heart problems. I am more fortunately than most with sfn as mine is episodic and often weather related, and so I get some respite from it in between attacks. Earlier this year, after yet another abortive attempt to find something that works, without the nasy side effects, I just told the doc I would rather be in pain than feel like they make me feel. Now I just take strong painkillers when I need to.
• in reply toWaterlily
Hi Waterlily and all feeling hopeless about meds: have you tried Oxcarbazepine ? It makes a huge difference to my nerve pain. It is prescribed off licence (meaning its an epilepsy drug that happens to work for nerve pain, you will get it from a pain clinic). There are many others like this too. Good luck all of you, nerve pain is vile.
Waterlily• in reply to
Hi Bowbells, just came across this post, sorry for seeming to ignore it. However, there has been a significant development in my health condition over the past few months, in that, after 45 years, I have been diagnosed with Coeliac Disease!!! Guess what has been causing my neuropathy and all my other horrible FMS/IBS symptoms? Since changing diet to gluten free I now have a much improved quality of life and my neuropathic pain has reduced considerably. I am not celebrating yet - I have had had periods of months and even 2 years once when I had no bad symptoms, but as it is now recognised as a symptom of CD, I am hopeful of continuing improvement as my body heals. Thank you for your input. PS I had carbamazepine in the past but had to come off them because I had treatment for cancer which apparently contraindicated taking them and later before restarting I was found to have a blood disorder so no more epilepsy meds (no idea what the connection there is , but oddly enough turns out the blood thing is connected to the CD. Don't you just wish doctors would join up the dots more often?)
• in reply toWaterlily
I was just about to ask if they had been tested for Celiac Disease.
I have Celiac Disease and am having neurological symptoms. I really suspected that I had peripheral neuropathy. I have had two EMGs one on my arms (revealed ulnar neuropathy and carpal tunnel) and one on my legs (revealed only slight dorsal nerve compression in left foot). Nothing global in scope revealed - which surprised me as my symptoms even involve my face. I have not met back with my neurologist -they called me with the test results, I go back to see the neurologist in March.
What might interest you is that my neurologist , when I first met with her asked me to try avoiding dairy to see if that would help. It has. I still have symptoms but they have flared down so drastically. My symptoms improved first, when I stopped going out to eat (I was the victim of cross-contamination a number of times); and then when I eliminated dairy.
I have found that my symptoms do flare up and down so it could be a coincidence that the dairy is helping. But, it is worth a try.
I would be interested in your progress.
Ditto exactly the same as you, but how come this is happening yo us all? i am being referred back to the pain clinic whom i been under since 4 years ago and 2 years prior i had an accident that caused the injury, a slip disc that don'st always show up on MRI scans!!
@Maggiet
With bilateral nerve signs and a progressive condition, it is likely your GP may have referred you to a rheumatologist as he/she suspects you have ankylosing spondylitis.
I am not sure on that sorry.
but what I do know is that I get pins and needles all the time and numbness I had a nerve conduction done (the op) under my left arm pit and it left me worse off then beforei habe a scare that is 6 in long and 1.1/2 in wide I had it done when I wad 28 now im 43 and it still hurts as if it was done last week the doctors don't know why . I am sick to death of them . And there predictions it seems not enough is known about the nervous system !. But I have plodded along ........ but back to what you were saying they found out that when they did the op they found after putting little slits here and there all over my body that my nerves half of them work properly and half do not this is why I get pins and needles and so on.and the half that does work is in the wrong places that is why I have more scars on my body that anything else. Please if they say they will do the op don't let them you will be worse off hope this long winded explanation helps
Regards tony
I just got back from an appointment with my neurologist and had a EMG/NCS test done on my left arm and foot because I have numbness and tingling in my arm and foot and both of my feet get hot. I was told that I had a pinch nerve on my hand and the rest of my nerves was good. I asked why was my toes tingling and why does it get hot. I was told because of my arthritis and there was nothing else he could do. I am amazed that there is nothing else that could be done.
Just because one Dr says nothing can be done, that doesn't mean another Dr. can't find something to be done. First, study up on the role your spinal column, vertebra, etc play in this nerve system. Then find a Dr. who won't quit you because you want answers.
Doctors under diagnose RSDS/,CRPS. Many don't believe in it. It does exist and I suffer from it. Neurotin is great with the type of pain you are suffering from. They Need to start a low dose and as it increases it should help greatly with your pain. Look up this rare neurological disease.
If you have had this pain for more than 6 months it may be coming from your brain, which has learnt the original pain signals and can't switch them off. If so this is a chronic pain state. Tests won't necessarily show anything. Your best bet is to go to a pain clinic and get them to find you the best cocktail of neuropathic pain meds, AND a pain management course which will show you ways of organising your life and completing tasks so as to minimise the pain. I found both these avenues really helpful and have a much better quality of life as a result. Wishing you luck
I had a nerve conduction test on both lower legs. The doctor got aggravated thinking his machine was not working. He kept messing with it. Finally he took everything off and put it on himself , then tried it again. He almost jumped a mile out of his chair. He said, "Well, it is definitely working." So he hooks it all up again on me. I can't see what he is doing but I can hear what sounds like the turning of a dial. My Husband is in there with me. He said, "Honey, can you not feel that?" Me, "No, I haven't felt the first thing yet." He did test my arms and yes I did feel that after he turned it up. Bottom line and up to today. My lower legs, ankles, and feet are so swollen, red, hot, and painful that my skin is even sore to the touch. I have zero answers as to what is going on. I had a nerve and muscle biopsy which pointed to Myasthenia Gravis, which we knew I had already. Getting IVIG treatments. NOTHING is helping. I think I sought out this site today because today has been my worse day. I can't stand at all. The pressure is too much. When I go to the restroom, I just cry . IT hurts too much. Been getting the most painful cramps in my legs and feet. Especially in my instep. There is nothing that helps that. You just have to wait it out. Any suggestions at all?
• in reply to
Look up floxy hope all your symptoms are there.
I have burning in my feet legs groin twitching and pins and needles can't sleep from the severe burning any little thing sets the burning HELP
• in reply to2099
Look up floxy hope, all your symptoms are there
I have had my left buttocks, burning, tingling numb, all down my leg into my both feet. MRI came back normal. Now in right arm. I'm scared, don't know what to do, I refused lumbar epidural, to scared. Curious
All these symptoms are signs that could be side effects of a group of antibioctics called fluoroquinolones. Research them you may find the answers. Sites like floxy hope contain tons of information. This happened to me, also nerve tests showed nothing, actually made things worse. But there is hope. Good luck everyone.
I had EMG done today, don't male since, it's normal, had MRI done normal, seats done normal. My left buttocks hurts, all down left leg in left foot, then the whole right foot hurts. They ruled out MS, cus. Nerve and muscles very strong. I need some kind of cute. This is painful, and scary.
I have had a hand nerve conduction study which showed issues with the cervical spine and nerves coming from there down the arms into the hands.
I am having a leg nerve study on 17 August.
I have had an MRI and have other spinal issues too.
Tingling, Pins and needles, burning, loss of feeling, dropping things etc can all be symptoms of B12 deficiency amongst other things and b12 supplementation will help if the deficiency hasnt been left untreated for years...like mine.
Ask for a serum B12 test along with serum folate and vitamin D.
Insist on it...it can be a battle to get recognition for the condition.
Also, do not accept the results of the blood tests if the doctor says they are 'normal.'
Get the actual numbers on paper then go to a reputable organisation or Facebook support group for them to interpret your results and guide you to the next steps.I am receiving alternate day injections now and will need to inject for the rest of my life.
If you catch the deficiency early, treatment will not need to be so intense with six injections maybe over two weeks the just four a year.
Just ask for the test, if only to eliminate this being th cause of the nerve pains. Good luck. 😊
I'm going through the same thing, have now been recommend for a second opinion so I have to go through it all over again
Have you had your second tests done? I've just had ncs done which came back normal, the dr told me I need psychological help and has even written to my gp stating this, pain clinic doctor and orthopaedic dr. Wow is all I have to say, my pain is very real, I've had an MRI that showed problems 2yrs ago in my neck with disc and 2yrs on MRI shows something completely different. I have straigh neck diagnosis now with early signs of bulging disc. I was in a right state when nerve studies came back normal and he told me it's all in my head 😔
Understand what your saying, sick of hearing it's all in your head (chronic regional pain syndrome) or you haven't healed properly or it's not adding up.....today I have to go back and see the neurologist see what he says.....so they can work out a plan to help me....my.injury was over a year and half now....I still experience stinging pain pins and needles and numbness in my ring finger and little pinky.....Will let you know how I go.....
It went as well as it could. Dr Sam did a through check on me....said you can tell there's been trauma to my arm. My ring and little pinkie are weak. He has recommended that I go to Sydney and have a nerve ultrasound done and a MRI from my neck down to my finger tips. Just waiting to see if my insurance company will approve that. They are cutting off my benefits as of September as they want me to find a job. I want to get back into the work force but as soon as the employer finds out I only have a 2kg lifting pushing and pulling limit they don't want me 
• in reply toRaffie
Dr Sam who? Do you have his details please I have done x-ray. Ct. Nuclear body. MRI. Fibrous displacia left femur. Left elbow cannot lean on. Both pinkie bent can hardly use them. Burning upper femur muscles I'm assuming both legs. L4/5 joint disease noted. L5-s1 disc desication with annual tear. Feet don't have full sensation. Pins and needles and numbness every now and then. Legs become tired weak. I have gone to rpa for leg then Wollongong for spine then neurosurgeon for emg. They all cannot pin point my cause wtf?
It is VERY possible & a VERY, VERY good thing! The reasoning is because the nerve conduction test (or EMG) is done to solely to see if there is PERMANENT nerve damage, so the fact that it is negative means that you do not have permanent nerve damge. That should be a GREAT thing! Some stupid doc along the lines should've explained that to you, which sucks that they didn't and they left you thinking that this test being negative meant that you've been incorrect about your burning and tingling. That's not the case. Not at all. Once again, a nurse will clean up a docs mess! Lol! I just had one done today myself & don't know the results of mine yet & am desperately hoping that I'm fortunate enough that mine is also negative as well!
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