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Neurophysiology of Neuromuscular Transmission and Its Disorders

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The Clinical Neurophysiology Primer

Abstract

Despite several antibody tests being available for the assessment of disorders of neuromuscular transmission, electrophysiological testing of the neuromuscular junction remains a very important part of clinical practice. The neuromuscular junction is a complex structure and an understanding of its anatomy and physiology can assist in better understanding the value of electrodiagnostic testing. The most common disorders include myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome, and botulism, and are usually readily identified using several electrophysiological techniques including slow (2-3 Hz) and fast (20- to 50-Hz stimulation). Single-fiber needle EMG remains an additional powerful and sensitive test for patients with disorders that are more mild, in whom repetitive stimulation testing is negative or indeterminate.

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Suggested Reading

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© 2007 Humana Press Inc.

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Gilchrist, J.M. (2007). Neurophysiology of Neuromuscular Transmission and Its Disorders. In: Blum, A.S., Rutkove, S.B. (eds) The Clinical Neurophysiology Primer. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-271-7_21

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-271-7_21

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-89603-996-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-59745-271-7

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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