Ann Clin Neurophysiol.  2018 Jul;20(2):66-70. 10.14253/acn.2018.20.2.66.

Potential risks of nerve conduction studies and needle electromyography

• Yoon BN
• Ahn SW
• Kim JE
• Seok JM
• Kim KK
• Kwon KH
• Park KD
• Suh BC
• Lim YM
• on behalf of the Korean Society of Clinical Neurophysiology Education Committee

• KMID: 2454707
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14253/acn.2018.20.2.66

Abstract

Electrodiagnostic studies such as nerve conduction studies (NCS) and needle electromyography (EMG) provide important and complementary information for evaluating patients with suspected neuromuscular disorders. NCS and needle EMG are reasonably safe diagnostic investigations and are generally associated with only mild transient discomfort when performed by experienced physicians. However, there is the risk of complications in some patients, because NCS involve the administration of electric current and EMG involves inserting a needle percutaneously into muscle tissue. This article reviews the potential risks of NCS and needle EMG.

Keyword

Nerve conduction studies; Complications; Electrodiagnosis; Safety

MeSH Terms

Electrodiagnosis
Electromyography*
Humans
Needles*
Neural Conduction*

Reference

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