Monitoring spasmodic torticollis (cervical dystonia) using EMG

tortitorti United States
edited March 2019 in Research
Hi,

I'm a layperson when it comes to knowing about neurological disorders and the associated terminology, but I have been a sufferer of spasmodic torticollis for many years. It has worsened and I'm no longer able to work. A friend of mine pointed me to OpenBCI with the idea it might provide insight into my disorder, particularly when I experience severe, totally incapacitating tremors that can last up to three hours. Ideally I'd like a way to quantify the severity of the neck twisting/neck spasms, so I can better describe my worsening condition to my neurologist instead of just saying, "it's getting worse." The only TLA I've seen mentioned in these forums, and that appears on my medical bills, is "EMG" as used in the context of "Needle EMG for guidance in conjunction with chemodenervation" (BOTOX injections).

Can OpenBCI be used to give me insight into my condition, and if so, which OpenBCI hardware/software would I need? If OpenBCI is not a good candidate, is there some other product recommendation?

Comments

  • wjcroftwjcroft Mount Shasta, CA
    Torti, hi.

    There different types of EMG, Electromyography. EMG is used to record muscle activity. "Needle EMG" is a sophisticated type used in medical contexts that requires a skilled technician inserting a needle into the precise muscle body, which is then connected by wire to the measuring equipment. This type of measurement is generally beyond the scope of OpenBCI, as OpenBCI not registered for medical applications.

    OpenBCI users do utilize sEMG, surface EMG, which uses adhesive pads between different portions of the muscle body. However it is unlikely that your medical team will give any credibility to this because: (a) it's not being applied by a skilled technician who knows exactly where to place the electrodes. and (b) it is much less accurate than needle EMG, when used for medical purposes.

    So in short, when you ask, "Can OpenBCI be used to give me insight into my condition?", I don't believe you would find it helpful in your situation. 

    Looking over this article, it also appears the basal ganglia and other areas may be involved, which EEG and EMG can give no insight about,


    Regards,

    William

  • tortitorti United States
    Thanks, William! I'll not pursue OpenBCI. I appreciate your explaining in a way I can understand. :D
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