Maximal nerve excitability testing vs electroneuronography.
In an article published in 1977, Adour et al compared electroneuronography (neuromyography) with maximal nerve excitability testing (NET) and reached the conclusion that the prognostic value of the latter was more reliable in facial paralysis. Further analysis of the results of Adour et al leads, however, to the opposite conclusion and illustrates how one may avoid the pitfalls that exist in using electrical stimulation to evaluate facial nerve function. Certainly, electroneuronography (ENoG) is not a foolproof method and experience is needed in order to avoid errors in technique and to achieve reproducible results. The great advantage of ENoG vs maximal NET is the quantitative analysis of the number of degenerated fibers and the assessment of an accurate degeneration profile in Bell's palsy.
D000200:Action Potentials; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D004568:Electrodiagnosis / Q000379:methods*; D005152:Facial Muscles / Q000294:innervation* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005154:Facial Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009431:Neural Conduction; D009435:Synaptic Transmission; D014855:Wallerian Degeneration