Reply To: Nerve test

First of all, even though you say you have a definite diagnosis, you should accept these tests to establish a baseline.

Heaven forbid, later on if you get tests what can you compare them to?

Second, nothing barbaric about these EMG (Electromyography) tests. But then, I’m a barbarian. A little stimulation, a muscle twitch or two and a little needle poke with some slight annoyance as you use the muscle, or try to. So, grin and bear it.

Thirdly, CIDP, by definition has ongoing symptoms for over 8 weeks (GBS is 3-4 weeks with improvement) and CIDP usually does not improve unless ongoing treatment is given.

Look at this from another angle- How does anyone know it is GBS? According to Mayo Clinic GBS can be difficult to diagnose but your Doctor may recommend:

“Spinal tap (lumbar puncture). A small amount of fluid is withdrawn from the spinal canal in your lower back. The fluid is tested for a type of change that commonly occurs in people who have Guillain-Barre syndrome.”

Talk about a barbaric test, if you had a leak, you’ll already know what I’m talking about.

“Electromyography. Thin-needle electrodes are inserted into the muscles your doctor wants to study. The electrodes measure nerve activity in the muscles.”

“Nerve conduction studies. Electrodes are taped to the skin above your nerves. A small shock is passed through the nerve to measure the speed of nerve signals.”