The usefulness of electrodiagnostic studies in the diagnosis and management of neuromuscular disorders

Abstract

Introduction: This study seeks to evaluate the usefulness of electrodiagnostic (EDX) studies in terms of the patient's diagnosis and subsequent management and to identify patient groups in which EDX is particularly useful.

Methods: The records of new patients referred to a single tertiary hospital EDX laboratory during 1 calendar year were reviewed to determine whether results of EDX studies led to a changed diagnosis and/or management plan. Logistic regression was used to determine whether any factors were associated with changed diagnosis or management.

Results: Results of EDX studies led to a change in diagnosis and a confirmation in diagnosis in 51.5% and 46.5% of the cases, respectively. Results of EDX studies led to a change in the management plan in 63.4% of all cases. The diagnosis and management plan were more likely to be changed in older patients and patients referred in hospital.

Discussion: EDX studies seem useful for confirming or changing the diagnosis and in guiding management in patients with suspected neuromuscular disorders. Muscle Nerve 58: 191-196, 2018.

Keywords: EMG; diagnosis; electrodiagnosis; neuromuscular; usefulness.