Utility of EDX in evaluating patients with radiculopathy

The radiculopathy caused by compression of the nerve root is an indication for neurophysiological evaluation. EDX is important for accurate diagnosis and seems valuable for better prognosis after surgery. The pathophysiological process explains the abnormalities seen during the EDX-exam. As a part of the nerve conduction studies, late responses will be discussed. We will focus on the 6-muscle screen suggested in literature to increase sensitivity and specificity of the results of the exam. Is there an ideal time-window to perform the exam?

Learning objectives:

• To correlate radicular syndrome with imaging results with the help of EDX
• To understand the AANEM guidelines for radiculopathy assessment
• To recognise the involved nerve root with a 6-muscle screen and the paraspinal muscle examination
• To value EDX for accurate prognosis (after surgical treatment)