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Needle and surface electrode somatosensory evoked potential normative data: a comparison.
1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio 78284-7798.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|November 1, 1991
Summary
Subdermal needle electrodes for somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) are comparable to surface electrodes. This study found no significant differences in waveform parameters or infection risk, supporting the use of surface SEP normative data for needle recordings.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Electrophysiology
Background:
- Subdermal needle electrodes are commonly used for recording cortical somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs).
- Concerns exist regarding the applicability of surface electrode normative data and the risk of infection with needle electrodes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare waveform parameters between subdermal needle and surface electrodes for SEPs.
- To assess the risk of dermal infection associated with subdermal needle electrode use.
Main Methods:
- Cortical SEPs were recorded using both needle and surface electrodes after tibial nerve, sural nerve, and L5 dermatome stimulation in 20 subjects.
- Waveform parameters (P latency, N latency, P/N amplitude) were analyzed.
- Dermal infection was monitored in 20 subjects for one week post-needle insertion.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences were observed in P latency, N latency, or P/N amplitude between needle and surface electrode recordings.
- No evidence of dermal infection was found in subjects after needle electrode use.
Conclusions:
- Subdermal needle electrodes provide SEP recordings comparable to surface electrodes.
- Surface electrode normative data can be reliably used for interpreting needle SEP investigations.
- Needle electrodes do not pose an increased risk of local dermal infection.