[Electromyography at the beginning of the 21st century]

This review article is concerned with the role of electromyography (EMG) in the clinical diagnostic work. After a summary on the developmental history of electromyography, the most important EMG methods are presented. The modern quantitative EMG methods are sensitive and accurate thus providing important information in the evaluation of various neurological diseases, particularly in the diagnosis of neuromuscular disorders. The EMG examinations are useful tool for the clinician only if the applied methods are carefully chosen and properly performed and the rules of interpretation are strictly followed.