Electrophysiological Examinations

Electrophysiological studies allow for an objectification of the disorder in a variety of nerve compression syndromes—better than the sole clinical examination—facilitate the local assignment (e.g., compression of the ulnar nerve in the Guyon’s canal or at the elbow), sometimes also allow a prognostic classification (e.g., conduction block versus axonal damage) and permit the objectification of regeneration processes. In addition to the two fundamental methods of examining impulse conduction with electrical neurography (ENG) and electromyography (EMG), magnetic stimulation (MEP) and the examination of somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) are occasionally also used.