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Pain perception to nerve conduction and needle electromyographic procedures.
A S Wee1, R L Boyne, S D Abernathy
1Department of Neurology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA.
Journal of the Mississippi State Medical Association
|December 31, 2004
Summary
Patient age, sex, BMI, and needle size do not significantly impact pain during nerve conduction (NC) or needle electromyography (EMG) tests. However, needle EMG was perceived as more painful than NC.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pain Management
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Electrodiagnostic studies, including nerve conduction (NC) and needle electromyography (EMG), are common diagnostic procedures.
- Patient-reported pain is a significant factor influencing the experience and tolerance of these procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between patient demographics, physiological variables, and technical aspects of electrodiagnostic procedures and the perceived pain levels.
- To identify factors that may predict or influence pain during NC and needle EMG.
Main Methods:
- A pain survey was administered to 77 patients immediately after undergoing NC and/or needle EMG procedures.
- Statistical analyses, including multiple regression, were used to examine correlations between pain perception and variables such as age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and needle characteristics (gauge, length).
Main Results:
- No significant correlation was found between age, BMI, or needle gauge/length and pain experienced during NC or needle EMG procedures.
- Pain from needle EMG was correlated with pain from NC, with EMG perceived as more painful.
- Age, sex, and BMI did not significantly relate to pain from either EMG or NC tests.
Conclusions:
- Patient age, sex, body habitus, and EMG needle size appear to have minimal influence on pain perception during electrodiagnostic procedures.
- Needle EMG is generally perceived as more painful than nerve conduction studies.