Electromyography (EMG)

Electromyography is the recording of electrical activity from muscle tissue. In the absence of voluntary movement, motor neurons generate action potentials when electrically stimulated or in response to disease. An electromyograph can detect these changes in electric potential. EMG presents an important diagnostic tool to monitor nerve root function and motor neuron activity.

The Neuromuscular Junction

An electromyograph records electrical activity at the neuromuscular junction. The neuromuscular junction is the site at which motor neurons form a synaptic connection with individual muscle fibers.

Electromyography Recording

EMG activity can be recorded using different types of electrodes, including monopolar needles, concentric needles, bipolar needles, and single-fiber needles. Without the use of high and low frequency filters, EMG signals would be very noisy and difficult to interpret. The low frequency filter should be set to 10-30 Hz and the high frequency filter to 10-20 kHz, for example.

1. Spontaneous EMG. After the recording electrodes are inserted into the muscle tissue, the background EMG activity is stable and quiet under healthy conditions. However, in the presence of an injury or a pathology, spontaneous EMG activity is generated by the motor neuron or post-synaptically at the level of the muscle fiber. Examples of spontaneous activity arising from the muscle fiber include fibrillation potentials, positive sharp waves, myotonic discharges, and complex repetitive discharges. Examples of spontaneous activity arising from the motor neuron include neuromyotonic tonic discharges, myokymic discharges, and tremors.
2. Stimulated EMG. Electrically stimulated EMG activity is used in IONM to probe for motor neuron or cranial nerve activation by determining the stimulus threshold required for activation. A stimulus threshold is determined by ramping up the electrical current slowly until a compound muscle action potential is recorded, either on the facial or skeletal muscles.
3. Single Fiber EMG

Cranial Nerves

For IONM involving the cranial nerves, the purpose of electrical stimulation is to identify the location of the nerves in the tissue. With that knowledge, the surgeon can then avoid making contact with them.

1. Facial Nerve.
2. Cranial Nerve III IV and VI
3. Other Cranial Nerves

Intraoperative Monitoring

1. Pedicle screws
2. Peripheral Nerves
3. Brachial Plexus
4. Dorsal Rhizotomy
5. Skull Base Tumor
6. Others

Anesthesia and Other Factors

1. Anesthesia Methods
2. Muscle Relaxants
3. Temperature
4. Tourniquet
5. Others