title: Spectrum of patients with EMG features of polyradiculopathy without neuropathy.
abstract: We reviewed the medical records of 233 patients having electrodiagnostic evidence of polyradiculopathy. Patients with polyneuropathy or incomplete diagnostic evaluation were excluded. A clinical diagnosis was secured in 92 of the 118 remaining patients. Patients were separated into three groups based upon the anatomic location of root involvement: extradural (55), intradural-extraaxial (23), and intraaxial (14). Collectively, patients with intradural-extraaxial disorders had earlier disease onset, shorter symptom duration, and a higher disability score compared with the intraaxial or extradural groups. Pain was an initial complaint in 50 of 55 patients with extradural lesions, 20 of 23 with intradural-extraaxial disease, but only in 4 of 14 with intraaxial involvement. CSF abnormalities and reduced compound muscle action potential amplitudes were more common in the intradural-extraaxial group. We conclude that the anatomic localization of root involvement in patients with polyradiculopathy can be suggested by a combination of clinical, laboratory, and electrodiagnostic features.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor 48109-0032.
authors.forename: T K
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: McGonagle
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Levine
authors.forename: P D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Donofrio
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Albers
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004576:Electromyography; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009431:Neural Conduction / Q000502:physiology; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013126:Spinal Nerve Roots / Q000503:physiopathology*