1.     Description

A dynamic series of electrical nerve and muscle tests performed by a Clinical Neurophysiologist on the basis of a clinical history taken and clinical neurological examination following referral from an appropriate hospital specialist or in limited circumstances a General Practitioner. The choice of the appropriate test from a large battery of tests available is variable dependent both on the clinical situation and the results of the investigation as it evolves. Thus, although parts of the technical investigation may be devolved to specially trained physiologists under direct supervision, the Consultant remains involved throughout.

2. Clinical Indications – a non exhaustive list

Entrapment or trauma to peripheral nerve, nerve plexi, spinal roots. Generalised or focal diseases of peripheral nerves. Spinal cord and nerve root compression from degeneration, disc protrusion, or trauma. System degenerations such as Motor Neurone Disease. Inflammatory and other primary muscular diseases. Congenital nerve and muscle disease, including muscular dystrophies. Toxic or work related nerve and muscle disease. Spinal cord injury respiratory assessment (see below). Neuromuscular transmission testing. Assessment of movement disorders.

Fig 1 – the diagnostic distribution of 13,400 patients seen in one regional department between 1984 and 1997.

3.     Relationships

Patients come from a wide variety of specialties for EMG. The major specialties are highlighted

(analysis of a regional department 1999/2000)

Specialty % of total

4. Techniques List