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Electrodiagnostic studies: are they useful in clinical practice?
M J Kothari1, M A Blakeslee, R Reichwein
1Section of Neurology, Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, USA.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|December 23, 1998
Summary
Electrodiagnostic testing, including electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS), frequently alters patient management. Over half of patients with abnormal findings had their diagnostic testing or treatment plans changed based on EMG/NCS results.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Diagnostic Medicine
Background:
- Electrodiagnostic testing like electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) can cause patient discomfort.
- The clinical utility of EMG/NCS is justified when results influence patient management decisions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the frequency with which electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) results alter the clinical management of patients.
Main Methods:
- Referring physicians were interviewed post-testing to ascertain if management decisions were impacted by EMG/NCS results.
- Data were collected from 140 consecutive EMG/NCS records, with follow-up available for 100 patients.
Main Results:
- Among 78 patients with abnormal EMG/NCS findings, 37% received a diagnosis different from the initial referring diagnosis.
- Physician-reported changes in patient management, including further diagnostic testing or altered treatment plans, occurred in 55% of patients with abnormal EMG/NCS results.
Conclusions:
- Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) are valuable diagnostic tools in managing various neurologic disorders.
- The findings support the utility of EMG/NCS in guiding clinical decision-making and patient care.