QUANTITATION IN EMG

The neuromuscular system may be affected by disorders of the central n ervous system as well as other disorders affecting motoneurons, axons, neuromuscular transmission, the sarcolemmal membrane, the contractile elements and other components of the muscle fibers themselves. One or a combination of these possibilities can present in patients in the c ritical care unit. This paper reviews various qualitative and quantita tive methods for assessing the various components of the peripheral co ntributions to the electrical and force output as well as the central motor drive to motoneurons. These methods all have their own strengths and weaknesses but many are complementary and together, can provide i mportant diagnostic and prognostic information to guide management.