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Updated: Mar 16, 2026
Assessment of Neuromuscular Function Using Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
Published on: September 13, 2015
New strategy for improving the diagnostic sensitivity of repetitive nerve stimulation in myasthenia gravis
Hanna Bou Ali1,2, Emmanuelle Salort-Campana1,2,3, Aude Marie Grapperon1,2
1Reference Center for Neuromuscular Disorders and ALS, Timone University Hospital, 264 rue Saint-Pierre, Marseille, Cedex, 05 13385, France.
Introduction:
The diagnostic sensitivity of repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) varies as a function of the number of muscles or the choice of muscles studied.
Methods:
By exploring 12 muscles bilaterally, we evaluated the global sensitivity of RNS at rest, the sensitivity in different clinical forms, and the sensitivity of different combinations of muscles studied.
Results:
The global sensitivity of RNS was 82%, and specificity was 100%. The sensitivity in the MG subgroups was as follows: ocular (O) = 67%; oculobulbar (OB) = 86%; and generalized (G) = 89%. The most sensitive muscles were the anconeus in group O, orbicularis oculi (OO) or nasalis in group OB, and the trapezius in group G. Maximum sensitivity was obtained by exploring OO, trapezius, and anconeus bilaterally.
Conclusions:
We recommend bilateral exploration of at least 3 muscles, a facial muscle, trapezius, and anconeus. Muscle Nerve 55: 532-538, 2017.
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