Evaluation of persons with suspected lumbosacral and cervical radiculopathy: Electrodiagnostic assessment and implications for treatment and outcomes (Part I). Issue 4 (18th July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dillingham, Timothy R.; Annaswamy, Thiru M.; Plastaras, Christopher T.
• Is Part Of: Muscle & nerve. Volume 62:Issue 4(2020)
• Page Start: 462
• Page End: 473
• Publication Date: 2020-07-18
• Subjects: electromyography -- nerve conduction -- radiculopathy; Neuromuscular diseases -- Periodicals; Muscles -- Periodicals; Nerves -- Periodicals; 616.74
• DOI: 10.1002/mus.26997
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0148-639X

Abstract

Abstract: Persons with back, neck, and limb symptoms constitute a major referral population to specialists in electrodiagnostic (EDX) medicine. The evaluation of these patients involves consideration of both the common and less common disorders. The EDX examination with needle electromyography (EMG) is the most important means of testing for radiculopathy. This test has modest sensitivity but high specificity and well complements imaging of the spine. Needle EMG in combination with nerve conduction testing is valuable in excluding entrapment neuropathies and polyneuropathy―conditions that frequently mimic radicular symptoms. In this first of a two‐part review, the optimal EDX evaluation of persons with suspected radiculopathy is presented. In part two, the implications of EDX findings for diagnosis and clinical management of persons with radiculopathy are reviewed. Abstract : See article on pages 474–484 in this issue .