Abstract

Emilia Burada*, Tudor Adrian Balseanu*, Smaranda Mitran, Veronica Sfredel and Bogdan Catalin

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Electrodiagnostic studies measure muscle response or electrical activity in response to nerves stimulation of the muscle and consist in nerve conduction studies, needle electromyography, repetitive stimulation, late and blink reflexes. These methods provide data about primary motor neurons, nerve roots, brachial and lumbosacral plexuses, peripheral nerves, neuromuscular junctions and muscles disorders. Methods: We evaluated the frequency and type of nerve and muscle lesions on a group of 205 patients in Neurophysiology Laboratory from University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania. Neuropack S1, EMG/EP Measuring System (Nihon Kohden) and surface electrodes were used for electroneurography and concentric EMG needle electrode for needle electromyography studies. We performed electroneurography for all patients and needle electromyography in 41 selected cases. Standard motor and sensitive nerves were evaluated, measuring latency, amplitude, duration of the response and conduction speed. Results: We found abnormal values in 87.32% of patients and normal results in 12.68%. Among abnormal cases, 173 (84.39%) had neuropathic pattern, 4 (1.95%) had myopathic pattern and in 2 (0.97%) cases neuromuscular junction lesions were recorded. Median neuropathy at the wrist (59 cases – 28.78%) was the most common neuropathic pattern, followed by different types of polyneuropathy (46 cases - 22.43%) and lumbosacral radiculopathy (28 cases – 10.65%). The motor neuron disease was found in only 2 cases (0.97%). Conclusion: The electrodiagnostic study is an important tool to evaluate the lesion site (muscle or nerve), pathophysiology (e.g. axonal or demyelinating) and severity of neuromuscular disorders.