Chapter 5 Principles of stimulation and recording

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the practical aspects of instrumentation and recording, and presents a brief discussion on electronics. With the recent advances in computer technology, even a novice electromyographer may comfortably perform electrophysiological testing with the aid of a semi-automatic electromyography (EMG) device. However, a lack of basic knowledge in electronics or the appropriate settings of such a device prevents the operator from performing a proper assessment (or troubleshooting) of the obtained waveforms. The minimal apparatus required to perform EMG/nerve conduction tests include electrodes, amplifiers, a visual display, loudspeakers, and a stimulator; the use of data storage devices is optional. Electrodes can be used for either stimulation or recording. A loudspeaker is a device that converts electric signals into sound waves, and houses a driver that converts electrical audio signals into sound waves. However, various modes of stimulation can elicit a nerve action potential. For example, several research groups have managed to obtain sensory nerve action potentials (SNAPs) by mechanical, air-puff stimulation.

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