Canal lombaire étroit, explorations neurophysiologiques: électromyographie et potentiels évoqués

A number of electrophysiological tests are used in the diagnosis of nerve root defects. Practitioners must select the most appropriate tests based on the clinical presentation of each case. Needle EMG is the most reliable method because of its high sensitivity and specificity, and it is the only technique capable of demonstrating the clinical course of lesions over time. Proximal conduction is assessed by examining late responses (H-reflex and F-wave). If negative or inconsistent, motor evoked potentials and dermatomal somatosensory evoked potentials can reveal the extent of the nerve root lesion. In the case of lumbar spinal stenosis, spinal function is assessed using somatosensory evoked potentials.