Electromyography in Clinical Practice: A Case-Based Learning Approach

Electromyography in Clinical Practice, now in its fourth edition, provides case-based learning of clinical Electromyography (EMG) with a main mission of reducing the gap between theory and practice in the fields of electrodiagnostic (EDX) and neuromuscular medicine. The book format includes four detailed introductory chapters that acquaint the discipline and scope of the EDX Examination. This includes chapters on nerve conduction studies (NCS), needle EMG, specialized EDX testing, and EDX findings in neuromuscular disorders.

The second part of the book includes comprehensive presentations of 36 cases that encompass the most common disorders encountered in the EMG laboratory and are presented in a similar layout. These are classified into focal disorders of the lower and upper extremities, cranial nerve disorders and generalized neuromuscular disorders. The book focuses on problem solving through analysis of the data obtained on NCS and needle EMG. This is meant to mimic a bedside analysis of data, like what occurs regularly in the EMG laboratory. The exact values obtained on NCS and specialized tests, and findings on needle EMG are analysed in detail. A differential and final diagnoses are then made. This is followed by a comprehensive discussion of the clinical and EDX findings of the disorder.

This text is an ideal book for physicians interested in learning and mastering the clinical practice of clinical EMG. This includes mostly specialists in the fields of neuromuscular medicine, neurology, and physical medicine and rehabilitation, but also include orthopedists, hand surgeons, neurosurgeons, spine surgeons, rheumatologist and pain management specialists.

Bashar Katirji is Professor of Neurology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, and the Director of the Neuromuscular Center and EMG laboratory at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA. During his academic career that spans more than 40 years, he has mentored more than 60 fellows, published more than 120 peer-reviewed publications and more than 60 chapters in neurologic textbooks and authored/edited six leading textbooks. Dr. Katirji has directed and lectured in numerous national and international meetings and conferences. He has been a reviewer for many international neurologic peer-reviewed journals.