T P Stitik1, P M Foye, S F Nadler. 1. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, UMDNJ (University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey), Newark, New Jersey, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Electromyography is used in conjunction with clinical diagnosis to determine the presence and extent of craniofacial injuries; it is also an aid in prognosis of recovery. This article reviews the neural pathophysiology following trauma and the basic principles of electrodiagnostic testing; such understanding helps to determine indications for electrodiagnostic testing. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Electrodiagnostic techniques can detect and differentiate the degree of injury. There are three major categories of nerve injury--neurapraxia, axonotmesis, and neurotmesis. In neuropraxic injuries, stimulation distal to the lesion will continue to elicit a response indefinitely; in more severe injuries, axonal degeneration begins within 3 to 5 days postinjury. RESULTS AND/OR CONCLUSIONS: Electromyography may be used as a valuable adjunct to traditional forms of diagnosis and prognosis. The accuracy of electrodiagnostic data reported in the literature ranges from 50% to 67% in some studies and 77% to 90% in others. Studies with larger patient populations and longer follow-up periods are required.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Electromyography is used in conjunction with clinical diagnosis to determine the presence and extent of craniofacial injuries; it is also an aid in prognosis of recovery. This article reviews the neural pathophysiology following trauma and the basic principles of electrodiagnostic testing; such understanding helps to determine indications for electrodiagnostic testing. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Electrodiagnostic techniques can detect and differentiate the degree of injury. There are three major categories of nerve injury--neurapraxia, axonotmesis, and neurotmesis. In neuropraxic injuries, stimulation distal to the lesion will continue to elicit a response indefinitely; in more severe injuries, axonal degeneration begins within 3 to 5 days postinjury. RESULTS AND/OR CONCLUSIONS: Electromyography may be used as a valuable adjunct to traditional forms of diagnosis and prognosis. The accuracy of electrodiagnostic data reported in the literature ranges from 50% to 67% in some studies and 77% to 90% in others. Studies with larger patient populations and longer follow-up periods are required.