EMG findings early after peripheral nerve lesions

Introduction: Increased discharge rates of motor units in concentric needle electromyography (EMG) indicate a loss of motor units and thus a peripheral neurogenic lesion. In contrast, discharge rates of motor units tend to be decreased in lesions of the central nervous system. It is not known whether increased discharge rates can be found immediately after a peripheral nerve lesion or after some time. Methods: Concentric needle EMG and neurography were done in 6 patients within the first 2 days after a traumatic lesion of a peripheral nerve. Kind and severity of the lesion were further characterized in at least…