Monitoring of Neural Function: Electromyography, Nerve Conduction, and Evoked Potentials

Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCSs) are neurodiagnostic evaluations commonly used to assess the location, duration, severity, and prognosis of peripheral nervous system impairment. In contrast to EMG and NCSs, which specifically assess the peripheral nervous system, evoked potentials assess the integrity of both the peripheral nervous system and CNS pathways and can be used to separate peripheral from central impairments. In this chapter we introduce the techniques used to assess and monitor neural function, review common clinical conditions, and then illustrate the use of these techniques in surgical practice.