Peripheral Neurology: Case Studies in Electrodiagnosis

Abstract

ABSTRACT Peripheral Neurology, by Liveson and Spielholz, is written for persons who have an understanding of the basic physiology of the lower motor neuron and some fundamental knowledge in the use of routine electrodiagnostic techniques. The first part of the book is a summary of various electrodiagnostic procedures and interpretation of motor and sensory conduction velocities, and needle electromyography. This first chapter is well written and contains beautiful illustrations and excellent didactic tables. It is well referenced, and most references are up-to-date.There are, however, minor problems with this chapter. The presence of fibrillation potentials in hemiplegic limbs and transected cords is not accepted by a fair number of electromyographers. If it indeed occurs, it is probably caused by pressure and entrapments of peripheral nerves and is not necessarily an expression of upper motor neuron disturbance. The second controversy involves the explanation for the presence of fibrillation potentials in inflammatory myopathies.