Nerve conduction studies and needle EMG in very small children

Abstract Nerve conduction studies and needle EMG in children under two years of age present a considerable technical challenge to the neurophysiologist. However, with adaptations of both the equipment used and the methods applied, useful results can be obtained in most cases. Normative data exists a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European journal of paediatric neurology 2012-05, Vol.16 (3), p.285-291
Main Author: Pitt, Matthew C
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adaptations
Age
Children
Congenital defects
Data processing
Electromyography - instrumentation
Electromyography - methods
EMG
Humans
Infant
Muscles
Myasthenia
Myotonic dystrophy
Needles
Neonate
Neonates
Nerve conduction
Neural Conduction - physiology
Neurology
Neuromuscular Diseases - diagnosis
Neuromuscular junctions
Neuropathy
Pediatrics
Reinforcement
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Summary:Abstract Nerve conduction studies and needle EMG in children under two years of age present a considerable technical challenge to the neurophysiologist. However, with adaptations of both the equipment used and the methods applied, useful results can be obtained in most cases. Normative data exists against which results can be compared exists but are not comprehensive and often the experience of the practitioner is most important for interpretation of the results. Conditions, which are diagnosed fall under the broad categories of disorders of nerve, anterior horn cell, muscle or neuromuscular junction, with certain conditions seen more commonly than in older children. Examples include hypomyelinating neuropathy, SMARD, myotonic dystrophy, congenital myasthenic syndrome, and neonatal brachial plexopathy. While few practitioners perform EMG in children so young the rewards may be considerable with information obtained that is almost always important in the management of the children. It is feasible for any trained neurophysiologists to do and more should be encouraged to offer this service which comprises one quarter of the author’s clinical case load.
ISSN:1090-3798
1532-2130
DOI:10.1016/j.ejpn.2011.07.014