title: Needle electromyography of the diaphragm.
abstract: A method is described for performing needle electromyography of the diaphragm which is safe and causes little discomfort. It provides valuable information concerning neuropathies and myopathies which may affect the diaphragm, and complements information derived from phrenic nerve conduction studies. Firing patterns of motor unit potentials during spontaneous respiration identify upper motor neurone disorders causing respiratory insufficiency.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences and Pathology, Victoria Hospital, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: C F
authors.initials: CF
authors.lastname: Bolton
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Grand'Maison
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Parkes
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Shkrum
mesh_terms: D000200:Action Potentials; D003964:Diaphragm / Q000294:innervation / Q000502:physiology*; D004576:Electromyography / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D016472:Motor Neuron Disease / Q000175:diagnosis; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000502:physiology; D009339:Needles; D012133:Respiratory Paralysis / Q000175:diagnosis