Chapter 17 Electrodiagnostics (Part II) Flashcards
PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
Peripheral neuropathy is a generalized dysfunction of the peripheral nerves. The distal segments of the nerves are usually more affected than the proximal segments. Thus, the longer the nerve, the more it is usually affected. Peripheral neuropathies typically occur in a “_________ and _________” distribution, affecting the feet and hands with numbness, pain, or pares-thesias.
PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
Peripheral neuropathy is a generalized dysfunction of the peripheral nerves. The distal segments of the nerves are usually more affected than the proximal segments. Thus, the longer the nerve, the more it is usually affected. Peripheral neuropathies typically occur in a “stocking and glove” distribution, affecting the feet and hands with numbness, pain, or pares-thesias.
PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
Electrodiagnostic studies (NCS/EMG) are used to determine the presence of peripheral neuropathy and can help to identify its characteristics and severity. Peripheral neuropathy is classified based on the types of _________ involved (sensory or motor), the primary pathology affecting the component of the _________ (axonal or demyelinating), and its _________ (segmental or uniform).
PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
Electrodiagnostic studies (NCS/EMG) are used to determine the presence of peripheral neuropathy and can help to identify its characteristics and severity. Peripheral neuropathy is classified based on the types of fibers involved (sensory or motor), the primary pathology affecting the component of the nerve (axonal or demyelinating), and its extent (segmental or uniform).
PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
When performing electrodiagnostic testing, both sensory and motor nerves must be tested in at least _________ extremities to differentiate between single entrapment neuropathy and a generalized process. Relevant findings must be found in at least three extremities to be diagnosed as a peripheral neuropathy. Early in the progression of peripheral neuropathy, changes may not be seen in the _________ extremity.
PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
When performing electrodiagnostic testing, both sensory and motor nerves must be tested in at least three extremities to differentiate between single entrapment neuropathy and a generalized process. Relevant findings must be found in at least three extremities to be diagnosed as a peripheral neuropathy. Early in the progression of peripheral neuropathy, changes may not be seen in the upper extremity.
PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
Nerve Conduction Studies
Sensory NCS: SNAPs may be reduced.
If axonal: _________ of SNAP will be reduced or unobtainable.
If demyelinating: SNAP can have an increased _________ (decreased _________); demyelination may result in loss of SNAP through conduction block (neurapraxia).
PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
Nerve Conduction Studies
Sensory NCS: SNAPs may be reduced.
If axonal: amplitude of SNAP will be reduced or unobtainable.
If demyelinating: SNAP can have an increased latency (decreased CV); demyelination may result in loss of SNAP through conduction block (neurapraxia).
PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
Motor NCS:
If axonal: _________ of CMAP may be affected or unobtainable.
If demyelinating: CMAP may have increased distal _________ or slowing _________. (_________ less than _________% of the lower limit of normal suggests a demyelinating neuropathy.) Conduction block may also cause decreased _________.
PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
Motor NCS:
If axonal: amplitude of CMAP may be affected or unobtainable.
If demyelinating: CMAP may have increased distal latency or slowing CV. (CV less than 80% of the lower limit of normal suggests a demyelinating neuropathy.) Conduction block may also cause decreased CMAP.
PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
Uniform versus segmental: Assessed by location of slowing CV. If segmental, some fibers will travel slower than others and the CMAP will be dispersed, with a _________ duration and _________ amplitude (temporal dispersion). If uniform, all fibers are slowed, which will result in a uniform slowing of CV, prolonged latencies, and normal duration and amplitude NCS.
PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
Uniform versus segmental: Assessed by location of slowing CV. If segmental, some fibers will travel slower than others and the CMAP will be dispersed, with a longer duration and lower amplitude (temporal dispersion). If uniform, all fibers are slowed, which will result in a uniform slowing of CV, prolonged latencies, and normal duration and amplitude NCS.
PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
Note that late responses (_________ waves and _________-reflexes) assess both the proximal and distal segments of a peripheral nerve and therefore may also be affected. However, findings are nonspecific.
PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
Note that late responses (F waves and H-reflexes) assess both the proximal and distal segments of a peripheral nerve and therefore may also be affected. However, findings are nonspecific.
PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
EMG – Test proximal and distal muscles to assess for axonal neuropathy and rule out additional or concomitant pathology. Findings are usually negative in peripheral neuropathy except in a few cases:
1. _________ _________ neuropathy.
2. Chronic _________ disorders: may see _________.
PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
EMG – Test proximal and distal muscles to assess for axonal neuropathy and rule out additional or concomitant pathology. Findings are usually negative in peripheral neuropathy except in a few cases:
1. Axonal motor neuropathy.
2. Chronic neurogenic disorders: may see CRDs.
PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
Axonal motor neuropathy: affected muscles (usually distal) may demonstrate spontaneous activity (_________ and _________). If an axonal lesion is present, the duration of the disease can be assessed by evaluating chronic changes in MUAPs (increased _________, _________, or large _________ reveals reinnervation and reorganization).
PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
Axonal motor neuropathy: affected muscles (usually distal) may demonstrate spontaneous activity (fibs and PSW). If an axonal lesion is present, the duration of the disease can be assessed by evaluating chronic changes in MUAPs (increased duration, polyphasicity, or large amplitude reveals reinnervation and reorganization).
PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
There are many causes for peripheral neuropathy, including _________ and _________ disorders. These disorders are further typified based on separate classifications of peripheral neuropathy that can be derived using electrodiagnostic studies (Table 17-4).
PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
There are many causes for peripheral neuropathy, including genetic and acquired disorders. These disorders are further typified based on separate classifications of peripheral neuropathy that can be derived using electrodiagnostic studies (Table 17-4).
PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
Plexopathy – The functional anatomy of the brachial plexus can be divided into _________ (roots and trunks) and _________ (cords and peripheral nerves or branches) (Fig. 17-7). The pattern of findings will help to localize the lesion. In general, _________ lesions will cause weakness in a muscle group without affecting the antagonist muscles of that group, whereas _________ lesions will affect _________. Electrodiagnostic testing is a physiological examination, which can help to localize the site of a plexus lesion and provide an evaluation of the prognosis. The unaffected limb should be used as a control to compare nerve responses from the two sides tested.
PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
Plexopathy – The functional anatomy of the brachial plexus can be divided into supraclavicular (roots and trunks) and infraclavicular (cords and peripheral nerves or branches) (Fig. 17-7). The pattern of findings will help to localize the lesion. In general, infraclavicular lesions will cause weakness in a muscle group without affecting the antagonist muscles of that group, whereas supraclavicular lesions will affect both. Electrodiagnostic testing is a physiological examination, which can help to localize the site of a plexus lesion and provide an evaluation of the prognosis. The unaffected limb should be used as a control to compare nerve responses from the two sides tested.
PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
Sensory Studies – _________ NCSs are usually a more sensitive indicator of injury to the plexus than the motor nerve response. The distal latency and CV are usually normal. _________ amplitude reflects the number of functioning axons in continuity with the sensory root cell body. Lesions proximal to the DRG, such as radiculopathy and nerve root avulsions, have normal SNAPs even though sensation may be affected clinically. Lesions distal to the DRG disconnect the sensory nerve cell body from its axons, resulting in decrement or absence of the SNAP. Therefore, differentiation between pre- and postganglionic lesions is extremely important.
PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
Sensory Studies – Sensory NCSs are usually a more sensitive indicator of injury to the plexus than the motor nerve response. The distal latency and CV are usually normal. SNAP amplitude reflects the number of functioning axons in continuity with the sensory root cell body. Lesions proximal to the DRG, such as radiculopathy and nerve root avulsions, have normal SNAPs even though sensation may be affected clinically. Lesions distal to the DRG disconnect the sensory nerve cell body from its axons, resulting in decrement or absence of the SNAP. Therefore, differentiation between pre- and postganglionic lesions is extremely important.
PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
Motor Studies – CMAPs are usually not affected unless the injury is severe. Motor latencies and conduction velocities are usually unaffected. Stimulation at _________ point may reveal slowing if there is a demyelinating lesion in the brachial plexus. CMAP amplitudes may be decreased if there is severe axonal damage. In plexopathies, side-to-side amplitude differences can give an approximation of the degree of axonal injury during the first few months. A 70% decrement in CMAP amplitude correlates to _________% axon loss. Amplitude differences of less than _________% may not be significant.
PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
Motor Studies – CMAPs are usually not affected unless the injury is severe. Motor latencies and conduction velocities are usually unaffected. Stimulation at Erb’s point may reveal slowing if there is a demyelinating lesion in the brachial plexus. CMAP amplitudes may be decreased if there is severe axonal damage. In plexopathies, side-to-side amplitude differences can give an approximation of the degree of axonal injury during the first few months. A 70% decrement in CMAP amplitude correlates to 70% axon loss. Amplitude differences of less than 50% may not be significant.
PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
Late Response – Most lesions are incomplete and the effect is diluted along the neural path of transmission of the F wave. Therefore, F-wave prolongation is a nonspecific finding and _________ wave and _________-reflexes are usually not helpful in the diagnosis of plexopathies.
PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
Late Response – Most lesions are incomplete and the effect is diluted along the neural path of transmission of the F wave. Therefore, F-wave prolongation is a nonspecific finding and F wave and H-reflexes are usually not helpful in the diagnosis of plexopathies.
PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
EMG – Acute plexopathies usually show fibs and PSWs in the distribution of the nerve segment involved (see Tables 17-5 and 17-6). In chronic lesions where reinnervation has occurred, _________-duration, _________-amplitude, or _________ MUAPs may be noted. It may take up to _________ weeks for electrodiagnostic abnormalities to develop. The paraspinal muscles, as well as muscles not in the distribution of the nerve segment involved, are expected to be normal.
PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
EMG – Acute plexopathies usually show fibs and PSWs in the distribution of the nerve segment involved (see Tables 17-5 and 17-6). In chronic lesions where reinnervation has occurred, long-duration, high-amplitude, or polyphasic MUAPs may be noted. It may take up to 3 weeks for electrodiagnostic abnormalities to develop. The paraspinal muscles, as well as muscles not in the distribution of the nerve segment involved, are expected to be normal.
RADICULOPATHY
Radiculopathy is a lesion of a specific nerve root that is generally caused by compression of that root. Electrodiagnostic studies aid in the diagnosis of radiculopathy, but they must be done in conjunction with a thorough history and physical examination. Imaging studies may be complementary, but they do not give information about nerve function. Physical examination findings suggestive of radiculopathy can include decreased _________, _________ in myotomal distribution, and/or decreased _________ in a dermatomal distribution. Despite the fact that sensory complaints are common in patients with suspected/diagnosed radiculopathy, the SNAPs will be normal in amplitude and latency as the lesion is proximal to the DRGs. If there are abnormal SNAP findings, a different (or coexisting) lesion distal to the DRG should be considered.
RADICULOPATHY
Radiculopathy is a lesion of a specific nerve root that is generally caused by compression of that root. Electrodiagnostic studies aid in the diagnosis of radiculopathy, but they must be done in conjunction with a thorough history and physical examination. Imaging studies may be complementary, but they do not give information about nerve function. Physical examination findings suggestive of radiculopathy can include decreased reflexes, weakness in myotomal distribution, and/or decreased sensation in a dermatomal distribution. Despite the fact that sensory complaints are common in patients with suspected/diagnosed radiculopathy, the SNAPs will be normal in amplitude and latency as the lesion is proximal to the DRGs. If there are abnormal SNAP findings, a different (or coexisting) lesion distal to the DRG should be considered.
RADICULOPATHY
CMAPs reflect the number of motor fibers activated upon stimulation. In most cases, the CMAP will also be normal in a radiculopathy. In a severe, multilevel radiculopathy, the CMAP amplitude may be reduced as a result of _________ degeneration distal to the lesion.
RADICULOPATHY
CMAPs reflect the number of motor fibers activated upon stimulation. In most cases, the CMAP will also be normal in a radiculopathy. In a severe, multilevel radiculopathy, the CMAP amplitude may be reduced as a result of Wallerian degeneration distal to the lesion.
RADICULOPATHY
The H-reflex can be used to assess the afferent and efferent S1 fibers and can be helpful in distinguishing an S1 from an L5 radiculopathy. It is important to remember that H-reflexes are sensitive but not specific. Gastrocnemius–soleus H-reflex side-to-side latency differences of greater than _________ m/s are suggestive of S1 radiculopathy (as is unilateral absence of an H-reflex). F-wave latencies and amplitudes are so variable that their use in evaluating a patient for radiculopathy is not recommended.
RADICULOPATHY
The H-reflex can be used to assess the afferent and efferent S1 fibers and can be helpful in distinguishing an S1 from an L5 radiculopathy. It is important to remember that H-reflexes are sensitive but not specific. Gastrocnemius–soleus H-reflex side-to-side latency differences of greater than 1.5 m/s are suggestive of S1 radiculopathy (as is unilateral absence of an H-reflex). F-wave latencies and amplitudes are so variable that their use in evaluating a patient for radiculopathy is not recommended.
RADICULOPATHY
Needle EMG is the most useful study in the electrodiagnostic evaluation to both localize a radiculopathy and predict its prognosis. The presence of spontaneous activity on needle EMG is the most objective evidence of _________ denervation. Fibs and PSWs can be seen in the paraspinal muscles within _________ to _________ days of initial injury. This is followed by findings in the peripheral muscles within _________ to _________ weeks. In order to diagnose radiculopathy, the corresponding paraspinal muscle and two peripheral muscles innervated by different peripheral nerves, but the same nerve root, should have positive findings (see Tables 17-7 and 17-8).
RADICULOPATHY
Needle EMG is the most useful study in the electrodiagnostic evaluation to both localize a radiculopathy and predict its prognosis. The presence of spontaneous activity on needle EMG is the most objective evidence of acute denervation. Fibs and PSWs can be seen in the paraspinal muscles within 5 to 7 days of initial injury. This is followed by findings in the peripheral muscles within 3 to 6 weeks. In order to diagnose radiculopathy, the corresponding paraspinal muscle and two peripheral muscles innervated by different peripheral nerves, but the same nerve root, should have positive findings (see Tables 17-7 and 17-8).
RADICULOPATHY
With axon loss, MUs will fire with increasing _________ (>20 Hz); this is also known as “_________ recruitment.”
RADICULOPATHY
With axon loss, MUs will fire with increasing frequency (>20 Hz); this is also known as “decreased recruitment.”
RADICULOPATHY
With reinnervation, the abnormal spontaneous activity may disappear (in the paraspinals at _________ to _________ weeks followed by proximal muscles at _________ to _________ months and distal muscles at _________ to _________ months). MUAPs will become polyphasic with a long duration (>15 ms). After 6 months to 1 year, _________-amplitude (>7 mV using a monopolar needle) MUAPs may be noted.
RADICULOPATHY
With reinnervation, the abnormal spontaneous activity may disappear (in the paraspinals at 6 to 9 weeks followed by proximal muscles at 2 to 5 months and distal muscles at 3 to 7 months). MUAPs will become polyphasic with a long duration (>15 ms). After 6 months to 1 year, large-amplitude (>7 mV using a monopolar needle) MUAPs may be noted.
PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
EMG – Acute plexopathies usually show fibs and PSWs in the distribution of the nerve segment involved (see Tables 17-5 and 17-6). In chronic lesions where reinnervation has occurred, _________-duration, _________-amplitude, or _________ MUAPs may be noted. It may take up to _________ weeks for electrodiagnostic abnormalities to develop. The paraspinal muscles, as well as muscles not in the distribution of the nerve segment involved, are expected to be normal.
PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
EMG – Acute plexopathies usually show fibs and PSWs in the distribution of the nerve segment involved (see Tables 17-5 and 17-6). In chronic lesions where reinnervation has occurred, long-duration, high-amplitude, or polyphasic MUAPs may be noted. It may take up to 3 weeks for electrodiagnostic abnormalities to develop. The paraspinal muscles, as well as muscles not in the distribution of the nerve segment involved, are expected to be normal.
RADICULOPATHY
Radiculopathy is a lesion of a specific nerve root that is generally caused by compression of that root. Electrodiagnostic studies aid in the diagnosis of radiculopathy, but they must be done in conjunction with a thorough history and physical examination. Imaging studies may be complementary, but they do not give information about nerve function. Physical examination findings suggestive of radiculopathy can include decreased _________, _________ in myotomal distribution, and/or decreased _________ in a dermatomal distribution. Despite the fact that sensory complaints are common in patients with suspected/diagnosed radiculopathy, the SNAPs will be normal in amplitude and latency as the lesion is proximal to the DRGs. If there are abnormal SNAP findings, a different (or coexisting) lesion distal to the DRG should be considered.
RADICULOPATHY
Radiculopathy is a lesion of a specific nerve root that is generally caused by compression of that root. Electrodiagnostic studies aid in the diagnosis of radiculopathy, but they must be done in conjunction with a thorough history and physical examination. Imaging studies may be complementary, but they do not give information about nerve function. Physical examination findings suggestive of radiculopathy can include decreased reflexes, weakness in myotomal distribution, and/or decreased sensation in a dermatomal distribution. Despite the fact that sensory complaints are common in patients with suspected/diagnosed radiculopathy, the SNAPs will be normal in amplitude and latency as the lesion is proximal to the DRGs. If there are abnormal SNAP findings, a different (or coexisting) lesion distal to the DRG should be considered.
RADICULOPATHY
Radiculopathy is a lesion of a specific nerve root that is generally caused by compression of that root. Electrodiagnostic studies aid in the diagnosis of radiculopathy, but they must be done in conjunction with a thorough history and physical examination. Imaging studies may be complementary, but they do not give information about nerve function. Physical examination findings suggestive of radiculopathy can include decreased _________, _________ in myotomal distribution, and/or decreased _________ in a dermatomal distribution. Despite the fact that sensory complaints are common in patients with suspected/diagnosed radiculopathy, the SNAPs will be normal in amplitude and latency as the lesion is proximal to the DRGs. If there are abnormal SNAP findings, a different (or coexisting) lesion distal to the DRG should be considered.
RADICULOPATHY
Radiculopathy is a lesion of a specific nerve root that is generally caused by compression of that root. Electrodiagnostic studies aid in the diagnosis of radiculopathy, but they must be done in conjunction with a thorough history and physical examination. Imaging studies may be complementary, but they do not give information about nerve function. Physical examination findings suggestive of radiculopathy can include decreased reflexes, weakness in myotomal distribution, and/or decreased sensation in a dermatomal distribution. Despite the fact that sensory complaints are common in patients with suspected/diagnosed radiculopathy, the SNAPs will be normal in amplitude and latency as the lesion is proximal to the DRGs. If there are abnormal SNAP findings, a different (or coexisting) lesion distal to the DRG should be considered.
RADICULOPATHY
CMAPs reflect the number of motor fibers activated upon stimulation. In most cases, the CMAP will also be normal in a radiculopathy. In a severe, multilevel radiculopathy, the CMAP amplitude may be reduced as a result of _________ degeneration distal to the lesion.
RADICULOPATHY
CMAPs reflect the number of motor fibers activated upon stimulation. In most cases, the CMAP will also be normal in a radiculopathy. In a severe, multilevel radiculopathy, the CMAP amplitude may be reduced as a result of Wallerian degeneration distal to the lesion.
RADICULOPATHY
CMAPs reflect the number of motor fibers activated upon stimulation. In most cases, the CMAP will also be normal in a radiculopathy. In a severe, multilevel radiculopathy, the CMAP amplitude may be reduced as a result of _________ degeneration distal to the lesion.
RADICULOPATHY
CMAPs reflect the number of motor fibers activated upon stimulation. In most cases, the CMAP will also be normal in a radiculopathy. In a severe, multilevel radiculopathy, the CMAP amplitude may be reduced as a result of Wallerian degeneration distal to the lesion.