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Spontaneous electromyographic activity of the tongue in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Author(s) -
Tankisi Hatice,
Otto Marit,
Pugdahl Kirsten,
FuglsangFrederiksen Anders
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
muscle and nerve
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.025
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1097-4598
pISSN - 0148-639X
DOI - 10.1002/mus.23781
Subject(s) - amyotrophic lateral sclerosis , electromyography , medicine , tongue , denervation , lower motor neuron , motor neuron , tip of the tongue , physical medicine and rehabilitation , anatomy , pathology , disease
: Detection of denervation in muscles in the craniobulbar area is important to assure widespread lower motor neuron involvement in the diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ( ALS ). The value of spontaneous activity analysis in needle electromyography ( EMG ) of the tongue has been questioned in the recent literature. Methods : Spontaneous activity in the tongue and sternocleidomastoid ( SCM ) muscles was reviewed retrospectively in 17 ALS patients. Results : Needle EMG showed spontaneous activity in the tongue in 14 of 17 patients (82%) and in 6 patients of 17 (35%) in SCM . Spontaneous EMG activity in the tongue was found in patients with and without bulbar symptoms. Conclusions : Needle EMG is a valuable method for assessing clinical and subclinical involvement of the tongue in patients with bulbar and limb onset ALS . Adequate relaxation of the tongue is a prerequisite for proper spontaneous activity recording. Muscle Nerve , 48: 296–298, 2013