Neurológia pre prax 4/2020

Electromyography, nerve conduction studies, repetitive nerve stimulation

Nerve conduction studies are basic electrophysiologic technique for evaluation of damage of peripheral nerves (neuropathies). Motor and thick myelinated sensory fibers are examined, and the method allows to determine the degree and type of the damage (motor, sensory as well as axonal or demyelinating). Indications for the examination of nerve conduction are as follows: polyneuropathies of all kind of aetiology (metabolic, malnutrition, toxic, hereditary, inflammatory, paraneoplastic), mononeuropathies (compressive, traumatic, inflammatory), further unclear findings, as well as combined central and peripheral lesions where it is necessary to assess the potential share of polyneuropathy.The technique of repetitive nerve stimulation is based on the repetitive stimulation of the peripheral motor nerves and is useful in suspected neuromuscular junction disorders. Understanding of the basic principles of EMG, right indication for examination and adequate clinical question are prerequisite for the properly performed examination and valid and meaningful clinical answer/finding.

Keywords: neurography, nerve conduction studies, polyneuropathy, indication of EMG