Article

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of ethyl chloride and
placebo sprays for reducing pain induced by needle electromyography and changes
in parameters of the motor unit action potential during needle electromyography
of the upper extremity. DESIGN: Sixty patients were randomized into the ethyl
chloride or placebo spray groups. In both groups, spray was applied just before
needle electromyography of the flexor carpi radialis, and a visual analog scale
to evaluate the pain of needle electromyography and a five-point Likert scale for
patient satisfaction and preference for reexamination were compared between the
two groups. Then, changes in the amplitude, phases, turns, and duration of the
motor unit action potential during needle electromyography of the biceps brachii
were compared before and after spraying in each group. RESULTS: The visual analog
scale was significantly lower, and patient satisfaction and preference for
reexamination were significantly higher in the ethyl chloride spray group. Among
the parameters of the motor unit action potential, there were no significant
changes except for an increased duration after spraying with ethyl chloride.
CONCLUSIONS: Ethyl chloride spray can effectively reduce pain, but it must be
used with caution because it may affect parameters of the motor unit action
potential during needle electromyography.

Langue : ANGLAIS