Progressive Muscle Weakness : Muscle Dystrophy?

Dear Ask The Doctor: I have seen multiple Dr's for my neuropathy and progressive muscle weakness. My muscle weakness started around 4 years ago and has progressed ever since. It started out barely noticeable, now it is difficult to climb stairs and walking is becoming challenging. I was told since my EMG was negative, there was nothing they could do for me. My question is, are there any progressive muscle disorders that have a negative EMG?

Dear Jason: In your particular case what must be rule out is a Muscular Dystrophy, these are a group of disorders that cause muscle weakness and loss of muscular tissue progressively and tends to get worse over the time. The diagnosis is done based in the physical examination, muscle biopsy, lab tests (aldolase, creatinine, LDH, myoglobin in urine and serum), and amongst other test is the EMG, which I suggest to be repeated and correlated with the other diagnostic tools that I mentioned above.