Carpal tunnel syndrome among other referral diagnoses in the Egyptian Clinical Neurophysiology Unit

• Published in: The Egyptian journal of neurology, psychiatry and neurosurgery psychiatry and neurosurgery, 2015-07, Vol.52 (3), p.183-187
• Main Authors: Abdel Kader, Ann, Basheer, Mye, Maher, Eman, Elkholy, Saly
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1110-1083; 1687-8329
• DOI: 10.4103/1110-1083.162035

Background Nerve conduction (NC) studies and electromyography (EMG) are invaluable tools in the diagnosis of neuromuscular disorders. Databases with plenty of observations are useful in better assessment and safe and effective decision making. Objective The aim of this study was to analyze data provided by the EMG and NC records and to correlate referral diagnoses, especially carpal tunnel syndrome, with the final electrodiagnostic ones. This will offer strategic clues to minimize time, cost, and human errors. Methods The study was carried out in the Clinical Neurophysiology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University. Tabulation of EMG/NC details for the cases examined during the study period (first half of the year 2014), followed by extensive analysis of the data provided, was carried out. Results Most of the referral clinical diagnoses were of carpal tunnel syndrome (44%) and the least were of ulnar entrapment (1.3%). Concordance between referrals and final diagnoses was found only in 59.2% of patients. The most concordant referral was facial palsy and the most nonconcordant referral diagnosis was anal dysfunction. Conclusion Because of the occurrence of the referral diagnoses and the percentage of concordance between provisional and electrodiagnostic diagnoses, the unit is launching a local project for standardized guidelines for every provisional diagnosis.