Although paresthesias of the distal lower limbs are characteristic features of polyneuropathy, they may also herald the presence of a focal neuropathy, polyra diculopathy, or myelopathy. Electromyography and nerve con...Although paresthesias of the distal lower limbs are characteristic features of polyneuropathy, they may also herald the presence of a focal neuropathy, polyra diculopathy, or myelopathy. Electromyography and nerve conduction studies (EMG/N CS) are widely used in the evaluation of such symptoms, but their utility has no t been subjected to vigorous scrutiny. We investigated the clinical impact of th e electrodiagnostic consultation in assessing suspected polyneuropathy. When com pared with the clinical impression, the result of the electrodiagnostic consulta tion was confirmatory in only 39%of all patients, and changed the diagnosis or uncovered an additional diagnosis in 43%. An alternative diagnosis was likely w hen either weakness was present (75%) or the Achilles stretch reflex was preser ved (48%). These data support the use of EMG/NCS in the diagnostic evaluation o f patients presenting with distal paresthesias, especially in those with preserv ed Achilles reflexes or motor deficits.展开更多
文摘Although paresthesias of the distal lower limbs are characteristic features of polyneuropathy, they may also herald the presence of a focal neuropathy, polyra diculopathy, or myelopathy. Electromyography and nerve conduction studies (EMG/N CS) are widely used in the evaluation of such symptoms, but their utility has no t been subjected to vigorous scrutiny. We investigated the clinical impact of th e electrodiagnostic consultation in assessing suspected polyneuropathy. When com pared with the clinical impression, the result of the electrodiagnostic consulta tion was confirmatory in only 39%of all patients, and changed the diagnosis or uncovered an additional diagnosis in 43%. An alternative diagnosis was likely w hen either weakness was present (75%) or the Achilles stretch reflex was preser ved (48%). These data support the use of EMG/NCS in the diagnostic evaluation o f patients presenting with distal paresthesias, especially in those with preserv ed Achilles reflexes or motor deficits.
