Ch 5 - EDX: EMG Flashcards
What does needle EMG assess?
Nerve and muscle function:
- Insertional activity
- Resting activity
- Voluntary recruitment
What does insertional activity represent?
Discharge potentials mech evoked by disrupting muscle cell mem w/ needle
When is increased insertional activity seen?
Neuropathic and myopathic conditions
When is decreased insertional activity seen?
Muscle atrophy
Muscle ischemia d/t vascular occlusion or compartment synd
What is normal duration of insertional activity?
300 ms
What waveforms can be produced with needle placement near NMJ?
MEEP and EPP
What are miniature end plate potentials (MEPP)?
Normal spontaneous exocytosis of individual quanta of Ach traveling across NMJ
Describe the morphology, amp, duration and rate of miniature end plate potentials (MEPP)?
Negative monophasic
Amp 10-50 uV
Duration 0.5-1.0 ms
Rate 150 Hz
What are end plate potentials (EPP)?
Endplate spikes d/t release of ACh provoked by needle irritation of muscle fiber or sync of several MEPPs
What are end plate potentials (EPP) the result of?
Propagated single muscle fiber AP
What is the hallmark sign of end plate potentials (EPP)?
Irregularity and negative deflection
Describe the morphology, amp, duration and rate of of end plate potentials (EPP)?
Neg biphasic morphology
Amp <1000uV (mV)
Duration 2.0-4.0ms
Rate 50-100Hz
Describe the sound of end plate potentials (EPP)?
Sputtering fat in a frying pan
Describe the sound of miniature end plate potentials (MEPP)?
Sea shell murmur
Where are ABN spontaneous activity generated from?
Muscle fiber motor unit (neural source)
What is a fibrillation potential (FIB)?
Spon firing AP origninating from denervated single muscle fibers 2/2 uncontrolled ACh release
What the hallmark sign of a fibrillation potential (FIB)?
Regularity of firing
What is a positive sharp wave (PSW)?
Needle recording of an AP of a single muscle fiber
What inhibits the display of neg deflection of the waveform of a PSW?
Propagation to but not past needle tip
Describe the initial deflection, duration and amp of a FIB.
Initial deflection: Positive (biphasic)
Duration: 1-5 ms
Early Amp: >300 uV
Late Amp: <25 uV
Describe the initial deflection, duration and amp of a PSW.
Initial deflection: Positive (biphasic)
Duration: 10-30 ms
Amp: <1 mV
Describe the sound of a FIB.
Rain on a tin roof
Describe the sound of a PSW.
Dull thud or chug
What are Complex repetitive discharges (CRDs)?
Polyphasic/serrated AP originating from a principal pacemaker, initiating a group of single muscle fibers to fire near synchrony
How is current spread in CRDs?
Ephaptic transmission
What is the hallmark sign for CRDs?
Regular interval b/w each discharge and within each discharge
Describe the sound of CRDs
Motor boat
What are myotonic discharges?
Biphasic single muscle fiber AP triggered by needle movement, percussion or voluntary contraction
What causes myotonic discharges?
Alteration of ion channels in muscle membrane
What is the hallmark sign of myotonic discharges?
Smooth change in rate and amplitude
What medication can cause myotonic discharges?
Propanolol
Describe the sound of myotonic discharges
Dive bomber
What are Fasciculations?
Spon discharges originating from any portion of a single motor unit and result in intermittent muscle fiber contraction
When are Fasciculations considered pathological?
If associated with FIB or PSWs
What is the hallmark sign of Fasciculations?
Irregular firing motor unit
What are Myokymic discharges?
Groups of MUAPs firing repetitively
Describe clinical myokymia
Slow continuous muscle fiber contractions. Rippling appearance of overlying skin.
What is the hallmark of Myokymia?
Semiregularity b/w each discharge and w/in each discharge
Describe the sound of Myokymia
Marching soldiers
What are etiologies of facial Myokymia?
MS
Brainstem neoplasm
Polyradiculopathy
Bell’s palsy
What are etiologies of extremity Myokymia?
Radiation plexopathy
Compression neuropathy
Rattlesnake venom