Comparison between the Electric and Magnetic Stimulations for a Repetitive Nerve Stimulation Test

ABSTRACT

The low rate repetitive nerve stimulation test(RST) using the electric stimulation has been known the best procedure among the electroliagnostic evaluations for the neuromuscular transmission. However, the electric stimulation often causes a considerable discomfort and pain during the procedure. On the contrary, the magnetic stimulation is much easier and less painful in activating to activate the deep seated nerves. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of repetitive magnetic and electric stimulation for the induction of compound muscle action potentials(CMAP) of abductor digiti quinti and deltoid muscles in 25 healthy subjects. The results were showed there were no significant differences in the amplitudes of CMAP of axillary and ulnar nerves between the magnetic and electric stimulations. And there were no significant differences in the decremental ratio of CMAP between the magnetic and electric stimulations. The magnetic stimulations were less painful for the subjects than electric stimulations in both proximal and distal muscles. In conclusion, the magnetic stimulation proved to be a useful method for repetitive nerve stimulations in the diagnosis of neuromuscular disease.