Electrophysiologic Testing for the Diagnosis of Peripheral Nerve Injuries

Abstract

In patients with suspected anesthesia-related nerve injury, electrophysiologic testing defines the neurogenic basis of weakness, localizes the site of the lesion, and determines the severity of injury, thereby establishing the diagnosis and guiding prognostication. It does not, however, define the etiology of the neuropathy, although it may help to distinguish various possibilities by indicating the site and age of the lesion and the underlying pathologic process.