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Updated: Oct 21, 2025
Assessment of Neuromuscular Function Using Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
Published on: September 13, 2015
Benign fasciculations: A follow-up study with electrophysiological studies
Alexandre Montalvo1, Michael Swash1,2, Mamede de Carvalho1,3
1Instituto de Fisiologia, Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
Introduction/Aims:
Fasciculations can be symptomatic, yet not progress to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a condition categorized as benign fasciculation syndrome (BFS). We aimed to assess electrodiagnostic changes and clinical course over time in patients with BFS.
Methods:
This was a retrospective review of medical records of patients who were referred because of a suspicion of ALS or who had directly asked for a consultation because of a personal concern regarding ALS. All clinical and electromyography (EMG) investigations were performed by the same neurologist, following an established protocol. In addition, laboratory testing and imaging studies were performed as determined to be clinically necessary.
Results:
We included 37 subjects (mean age 46 ± 14.7 y, 29 male, 7 healthcare professionals). Most patients had experienced fasciculations in both upper and lower limb muscles (62.2%); the remaining patients had fasciculations only in their lower limbs. EMG in seven subjects showed chronic neurogenic potentials in addition to fasciculation potentials; all of these were older men. Follow-up data were available in 24 patients (median 4.7 y), 21 with repeat EMGs, including all those with neurogenic EMG changes at baseline (median 6.5 y). Two-thirds of patients reported symptomatic improvement: 57.1% of those with abnormal EMG and 61.1% with normal EMG. The EMG changes were stable.
Discussion:
Prognosis of BFS is favorable, regardless of minor EMG abnormalities. The latter do not necessarily imply progression to ALS.
