Protocol Number: 00-N-0072

Title:

Diagnosis of Neuromuscular Disorders with Specialized Electromyographic Studies

Number:

00-N-0072

Summary:

This study will investigate problems with muscle weakness and control using electromyography-a test of nerve-muscle cell communication. Advanced techniques called single fiber electromyography and macro-electromyography, which evaluate individual muscle fibers, will be used. Besides aiding in diagnosis, these tests provide information about disease progression that may be useful in guiding therapy.

Adult patients with suspected neurological disorders of muscle control and weakness may be eligible for this study. Normal volunteers may also participate. For the electromyography procedure, a special needle is inserted into a muscle. The patient will slightly tense the muscle and maintain the tension while electrical signals from the muscle fibers are being recorded. The electrical signals are played through a loudspeaker, providing feedback to help the patient tense the muscle the appropriate amount. The test, which is usually done for only one muscle, takes 1 to 2 hours. If needed, short breaks can be taken.

If the patient cannot maintain tension in the muscle for the entire test period, a nerve will be stimulated to activate the muscle. A thin needle is inserted near the nerve, and a series of small electrical shocks are given to activate a nerve fiber. The electromyography needle is inserted into the muscle to measure the response, as described above.

A neurologist receiving specialized training in clinical neurophysiology will do the electromyography procedure under the direct supervision of an experienced neurologist.

Sponsoring Institute:

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

Recruitment Detail

Type: Active Accrual Of New Subjects

Gender: Male & Female

Referral Letter Required: Yes

Population Exclusion(s): Children

Eligibility Criteria:

INCLUSION CRITERIA:

Adult patients with weakness or motor dysfunction: 8/year.

Normal volunteers, adults: 2/year.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

Anticoagulation or uncorrected bleeding disorder.

Children are not optimal subjects for fellows undergoing training in these techniques and will be excluded.

Special Instructions: Currently Not Provided

Keywords:

Single Fiber EMG

Macro-EMG

Myasthenia

Post-Polio Syndrome

Neuromuscular Transmission

Recruitment Keywords:

Motor Dysfunction

Neuromuscular Disorder

Conditions:

Healthy

Neuromuscular Disease

Postpoliomyelitis Syndrome

Investigational Drug(s):

None

Investigational Device(s):

None

Contacts:

Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office
Building 61
10 Cloister Court
Bethesda, Maryland 20892-4754
Toll Free: 1-800-411-1222
TTY: 301-594-9774 (local),1-866-411-1010 (toll free)
Fax: 301-480-9793

Electronic Mail:prpl@mail.cc.nih.gov

Citations:

AAEM minimonograph #25: single-fiber electromyography

An 8-year longitudinal study of muscle strength, muscle fiber size, and dynamic electromyogram in individuals with late polio

• Questions about participating in a study, please contact the Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office, CC.
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Warren Grant Magnuson Clinical Center (CC)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Bethesda, Maryland 20892. Last update: 10/15/2004