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Related Experiment Videos

Pain perception in clinical electromyography

B M Gans, G H Kraft

    Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
    |January 1, 1977
    PubMed
    Summary

    Electromyography (EMG) pain perception is not linked to examination details but significantly differs by sex. Nerve conduction velocity studies were more uncomfortable than needle EMG, with females reporting higher pain levels.

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    Area of Science:

    • Neurology
    • Pain Management

    Background:

    • Electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic procedure to assess nerve and muscle health.
    • Understanding patient-reported pain during EMG is crucial for improving patient experience.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate factors influencing pain perception during electromyographic examinations.
    • To compare pain levels between nerve conduction velocity (NCV) studies and needle EMG.
    • To determine the correlation between patient and electromyographer pain assessments.

    Main Methods:

    • Prospective study of 93 electromyographic examinations (42 men, 51 women).
    • Patients recorded pain on a scale; electromyographers estimated patient pain (0-4 scale).
    • Analysis of factors including wait time, examination duration, study areas, findings, patient age, time of day, examiner characteristics, and study type (NCV vs. needle EMG).

    Main Results:

    • No correlation found between pain and examination length, number of areas, findings, patient age, time of day, or examiner characteristics.
    • Nerve conduction velocity studies were perceived as more uncomfortable than needle EMG.
    • Patient sex was a significant factor: all males reported no pain, while 86% of females reported maximum pain.
    • Electromyographers accurately assessed patient pain perception in 84% of cases.

    Conclusions:

    • Patient sex is a significant determinant of pain perception during EMG, with females reporting higher pain levels.
    • Nerve conduction velocity studies are associated with greater discomfort compared to needle EMG.
    • Electromyographer pain assessment is largely accurate, but patient sex is a key variable influencing reported pain.

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