Electrodiagnosis (EDX) is an important tool used in clinical practice to assess and diagnose diseases of the peripheral nervous system. EDX is used to assess the integrity of the peripheral nervous system by measuring nerve conduction velocity, sensory nerve action potentials, and the response to electrical stimulation. EDX can be used to diagnose a range of conditions including carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, and myasthenia gravis.
Nerve conduction velocity (NCV) is the speed at which electrical impulses travel along a nerve. NCV is measured by placing electrodes on the skin and passing a small electrical current through the nerve. The time it takes for the electrical signal to travel along the nerve is then measured. A decrease in NCV is indicative of nerve damage.
Sensory nerve action potentials (SNAPs) are electrical signals produced by sensory nerves when they are stimulated. SNAPs are measured by placing electrodes on the skin and stimulating the nerve with a small electrical current. Changes in SNAPs can indicate nerve damage.
The response to electrical stimulation (REST) is measured by stimulating the nerve with a small electrical current and measuring the response of the muscle. Changes in REST can indicate nerve damage.
EDX is a non-invasive, cost-effective, and reliable method for assessing the integrity of the peripheral nervous system. EDX is widely used in clinical practice and is an important tool for diagnosing a range of conditions.
References
Kothari, M., Kulkarni, U., & Sharma, M. (2020). Electrodiagnosis: A Review. Cureus, 12(1), e7209. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.7209
Nordqvist, C. (2015). What is electrodiagnosis? Medical News Today. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/303881.php
Pamidi, S., & Gooch, C. L. (2009). Electrodiagnosis: A Primer. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America, 20(4), 785–802. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmr.2009.05.011