Premium
Perception of pain during electromyography in children: A prospective study
Author(s) -
Alshaikh Nahla M.,
Martinez Jeimmy Pinzon,
Pitt Matthew C.
Publication year - 2016
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.25069
Subject(s) - venipuncture , medicine , electromyography , prospective cohort study , physical therapy , nerve conduction , physical examination , anesthesia , physical medicine and rehabilitation , surgery
Electrodiagnostic examination is perceived as a painful examination. An accurate assessment of its discomfort would be valuable to children, their parents, and clinicians. Methods We performed a prospective study of pediatric patients seen over 3 months at 1 center. Pain was scored for both nerve conduction studies and needle electromyography (EMG) on validated scales, depending on the child's age and in comparison with venipuncture. Results In 100 cases the pain recorded fell within the moderate range on the scoring systems used. Sixty‐six percent of patients described the pain to be equivalent or less than that with venipuncture. EMG of > 1 muscle or a proximal muscle produced more pain in patients <4 years of age. Conclusions When discussing the test with patients, the physician should reassure the patient and parents regarding the degree of pain that may be encountered, which is not materially different from venipuncture. Muscle Nerve 54 : 422–426, 2016