Description
Dr. Rajdeep Jain from Queen Elizabeth Hospital discusses the role of neurophysiology in spinal and orthopedic practice. He outlines several neurophysiological procedures, including nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG), which are pivotal in diagnosing conditions affecting motor and sensory nerves. Dr. Jain explains how NCS can identify peripheral neuropathies—both generalized and focal due to issues like trauma or compression. Through stimulating nerves and recording responses, practitioners can assess the function and integrity of nerves.
The lecture details various nerve tests, including F waves and H reflexes for proximal nerve assessment, and emphasizes the importance of combining NCS with EMG to get a comprehensive view of neuromuscular conditions. EMG is highlighted as essential for evaluating muscle activity and identifying neurogenic changes.
The discussion covers common clinical scenarios such as carpal tunnel syndrome and cervical radiculopathy, explaining how nerve conduction studies help differentiate between these conditions. The use of somatosensory evoked potentials and transcranial magnetic stimulation in clinical practice is briefly mentioned.
Finally, Dr. Jain emphasizes the importance of intraoperative monitoring during spinal surgeries, involving techniques that ensure neurological integrity throughout procedures. He concludes with insights into the predictive value of these neurophysiological tests in assessing patient outcomes post-surgery.