Electromyographic recordings of fibrillation potentials (FPs) and positive
sharp waves (PSWs) demonstrate transformation of FP to PSW and vice versa,
atypical firing patterns, changes in waveform shape and amplitude, and time
-locked potentials, The etiology of the waveform characteristics of FP and
PSW is discussed based on abnormal propagation in a small section of muscle
fiber that is "damaged" by the needle. The results of simple computer simu
lations are described. (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.