title: Neurophysiological evaluation of children with traumatic radiculopathy, plexopathy, and peripheral neuropathy.
abstract: Neurophysiological evaluation of children with traumatic peripheral nervous system injury is accomplished with electromyography, motor and sensory nerve conduction studies, and somatosensory and motor-evoked potentials. Preoperative neurophysiological tests are performed if motor deficits persist for more than 3 months. Evidence of reinnervation on these neurophysiological tests predates clinical recovery by weeks, hence they help determine the site of the lesion and provide objective measures for selecting candidates for surgical exploration. Intraoperative neurophysiological tests help to identify and confirm the integrity of nerves and to develop the optimal surgical strategy. Postoperative evaluations every 3 to 6 months may determine efficacy of treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Brachial Plexus Palsy Program, Miami Children's Hospital, FL 33155, USA.
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Papazian
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Alfonso
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Yaylali
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Velez
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Jayakar
mesh_terms: D020516:Brachial Plexus Neuropathies / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D002648:Child; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004576:Electromyography; D005071:Evoked Potentials; D006801:Humans; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000473:pathology; D009431:Neural Conduction; D009475:Neurons, Afferent / Q000473:pathology; D010246:Paralysis, Obstetric / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011843:Radiculopathy / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D013127:Spinal Nerves / Q000293:injuries / Q000503:physiopathology