IGS 2013 Annual & Scientific Meeting, Croke Park, 20–21 September

Background: Little is known about the use of nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG) in older adults.These patients are at increased risk of both central and peripheral neurological disorders which may be exacerbated by conditions that are more common in the elderly.Impaired nerve and muscle deficits contribute to morbidity and reduced quality of life.Our aim was to define the utilization and yield of NCS and EMG in older adults.Methods: We reviewed NCS and EMG records for patients older than age 65 in the year 2012.Patient demographics were described.Diagnoses were recorded as neuropathy, myopathy, radiculopathy, plexopathy, anterior horn cell syndrome, unclear and multiple diagnoses.These categories were further stratified to detail the type and number of nerves involved.We examined the referral forms recording the source and reason for referral, and whether the working diagnosis was congruous with the post-test diagnosis.Results: 1,530 NCS and EMGs were performed in 2012, of these 23 % were in patients older than 65 (mean age 73.7, 52 % male).Referrals came from medical consultants (47.4 %), surgeons (21.6 %), neurologists (19.9 %) and general practitioners (11.1 %).Of the referral forms that included a potential diagnosis, 37.8 % were not congruous with the post-test diagnosis.83.7 % of NCS were abnormal as were 71.8 % of EMGs.The likelihood of having an abnormal test result increased with increasing age.The most common diagnosis was peripheral neuropathy (65.4 %) followed by a normal study (11.1 %), multiple diagnoses (8.8 %), radiculopathy (4.5 %), anterior horn cell syndrome (2.8 %), plexopathy (2.6 %), unclear diagnosis (2.8 %) and myopathy (2 %).Conclusions: NCS and EMG are useful tests in this cohort for evaluation of a wide variety of peripheral nervous system abnormalities.The incidence of peripheral neuropathy is particularly high in this age group and detection is vital to institute treatment where applicable, prevent morbidity and improve quality of life.