Needle electromyography practice patterns in patients taking novel oral anticoagulants: A survey‐based study

: This study sought to evaluate needle electromyography (EMG) practice patterns among electromyographers with patients taking novel oral anticoagulants (NOAC). Methods : A survey questionnaire was sent to members of the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM) via email web link. Anonymous survey responses were collected through an online website. Results : Fifty‐eight AANEM members responded, 28 (48%) of whom worked at a teaching hospital and 30 (52%) of whom worked in a private setting. Fifty‐four (93%) responders perform needle EMG on patients taking NOACs. Twenty‐nine (50%) responders examine paraspinal muscles, and 20 (40%) responders examine facial muscles. Among 14 responders who perform single‐fiber EMG (SFEMG), 8 examine patients taking NOACs. Discussion : Although most of the electromyographers perform needle EMG on patients taking NOACs, they reported variable practice patterns in examination of the paraspinal and facial muscles and in performing SFEMG. A prospective risk–benefit study is required. Muscle Nerve 58 : 307–309, 2018