Neurophysiologic Studies in the Evaluation of Polyneuropathy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article provides core information on the clinical neurophysiology techniques available for the investigation of disorders of the peripheral nervous system.

RECENT FINDINGS: The role of small fiber dysfunction in some types of polyneuropathy is being increasingly appreciated, and neurophysiologic techniques for evaluating the autonomic components of peripheral axons have enhanced our understanding of small fiber dysfunction.

SUMMARY: The principles of nerve conduction studies and needle EMG are presented in this article, along with the patterns of abnormality encountered in patients with polyneuropathy due to large and small fiber involvement.