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"EMG disease" with bulbar muscle involvement: a case report
David W Chow1, Curtis W Slipman, Mark Ellen
1Penn Spine Center, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|April 5, 2002
Summary
This study details a unique case of diffuse abnormal insertional activity in muscles, including those controlling the bulbar region. Recognizing this electromyography finding is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis with neuromuscular disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurophysiology
Background:
- A previous electromyography (EMG) study indicated multilevel radiculopathy.
- This report presents a subsequent EMG evaluation revealing distinct neurophysiological findings.
Observation:
- The repeat EMG demonstrated diffuse abnormal insertional activity, characterized by short trains of positive waves.
- Notably, fibrillation potentials were absent.
- The observed activity extended to bulbar-innervated muscles such as the trapezius, frontalis, and orbicularis oculi.
Findings:
- The primary finding is the presence of diffuse abnormal insertional activity without fibrillation potentials.
- Involvement of bulbar muscles represents a significant aspect of this case.
- The pattern observed differs from typical findings in common neuromuscular syndromes.
Implications:
- Accurate identification of this specific EMG pattern is essential for correct diagnosis.
- Distinguishing this entity from other neuromuscular conditions prevents potential misclassification.
- This case highlights the importance of comprehensive EMG analysis in neurological diagnostics.