title: A model of waveform reliability in facial nerve electroneurography.
abstract: This study identifies four factors that should be considered when evaluating the reliability of new testing methods in facial nerve electroneurography (ENOG): (1) waveform peak-to-peak amplitude; (2) response variability; (3) statistical significance of day-to-day test/retest differences; and (4) waveform morphology. These factors were applied to data gathered on seven normal subjects who had three trials of facial-nerve ENOG on three separate test days in order to determine an optimal recording electrode montage. Both bipolar and monopolar recording-electrode montages were used on the nasal alae and on the nasolabial crease. Resultant peak-to-peak amplitudes of combined motor action potentials were recorded and measured using a clinical evoked-potential instrument. A biphasic waveform shape with optimal peak-to-peak point rather than the nasolabial crease. The contribution to the assessment of response reliability of each of the four factors is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk 23507.
authors.forename: H N
authors.initials: HN
authors.lastname: Gutnick
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Kelleher
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Prass
mesh_terms: D000200:Action Potentials; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004568:Electrodiagnosis; D005154:Facial Nerve / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012016:Reference Values