Spontaneous electromyographic activity of the tongue in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

: 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