Dr Adnan J. Khuraibet, MSc., DSc., Consultant Clinical Neurophysiolo gist, Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, lbn Sina Hospital, Ministry of Health, Kuwait.
Certain anatomic features of the nerve roots are important in the electro diagnosis of radiculopathies. The diagnosis of radiculopathy depends on the clinical symptoms and signs, radiology and electro physiology. Therefore, electrophysiological studies are important in the evaluation of radiculopathies. They may confirm root involvement and indicate the level of the lesion, sometimes when imaging studies are normal because of noncompressive pathology. It can exclude other causes. They are not only useful in diagnosis of suspected cases but also in prognosis.
There are several neurophysiological tests that could be utilized in diagnosis of radiculopathy; electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction studies late responses, and somatosensory evoked potentials. Although EMG is the oldest of these, it is also the single most useful procedure even though it assesses only the motor fibers in the roots.
EMG is therefore recommended in any suspected case of radiculopathy, but it should always be considered within the clinical context of patient's presentation.