A New Approach to Improving the Efficiency of Needle Electromyography

Abstract

In Needle Electromyography (EMG) measuring motor unit (MU) territory of neuromuscular system evaluation is used. Painfulness and traumaticity, labor intensity of the examination are regarded as serious disadvantages of needle EMG, these disadvantages are especially expressed in Single-Fiber Electromyography (SFEMG). The author offers a new needle electrode of telescopic construction, new methods and new parameters for evaluation of motor unit territory, single muscle fiber and neuromuscular system function. The new electrode significantly reduces labor intensity, painfulness and traumaticity of tests. Accuracy of tests is increased, especially in SFEMG, it is available to measure transverse sizes of single muscle fibers. New parameters enable to identify (evaluate) the density of motor units, crossing of motor unit territories and other characteristics of muscle. A significant reduction of painfulness, traumaticity and labor intensity of the examination will promote wide use of needle EMG possibly in pediatric patients as well. New methods and parameters enable better evaluation of functional state of motor units, single muscle fibers and neuromuscular system.