2023 Workshop Handout Bundle-Basic Nerve US

Basic Nerve US

Pdf Summary

Dr. Shumaila Sultan's presentation at the 2023 AANEM Annual Meeting focuses on the basics and applications of ultrasound (US) in diagnosing nerve and muscle conditions. Key topics include the history and technology of ultrasound, as well as specific nerve entrapments such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), ulnar neuropathy at the elbow and wrist, and fibular neuropathy at the knee.<br /><br />The history section traces significant milestones in ultrasound development from Lazzaro Spallanzani’s studies in 1794 to more modern advancements like the use of ultrasound in medical diagnostics by Karl Dussik in 1942 and the pioneering of OB-GYN ultrasound by Ian Donald in 1958.<br /><br />Key elements in ultrasound technology include the piezoelectric effect discovered by Pierre and Jacques Curie in 1880, which is fundamental to modern ultrasound transducers. Materials like lead zirconate titanate are commonly used for their piezoelectric properties in medical imaging.<br /><br />The presentation details understanding basic ultrasound modalities, such as cross-sectional and sagittal views, and the conventions used in imaging. It also covers the categories of sound—specifically focusing on medical ultrasound, including therapeutic and diagnostic types.<br /><br />Dr. Sultan's seminar delves into clinical applications of ultrasound in neuromuscular and electrodiagnostic medicine, including findings and measurements like nerve cross-sectional areas and their relevance in diagnosing entrapment neuropathies. For instance, the normal upper limits for Ulnar nerve cross-sectional areas at the elbow and wrist are highlighted, with varying sensitivity and specificity values for different diagnostic criteria.<br /><br />Additionally, the presentation includes insights on muscle ultrasound, focusing on attributes like muscle echogenicity (using the Heckmatt scale), muscle size measurements, and the evaluation of fascia and abnormal movement. The pathology section discusses how myopathic or neurogenic changes affect muscle appearance on ultrasound, making it a valuable tool for identifying conditions that could benefit from further diagnostic procedures such as biopsies.<br /><br />References for further reading and evidence supporting the discussed guidelines and findings are included, emphasizing the reliability and utility of neuromuscular ultrasound in clinical practice.

Keywords

Ultrasound

nmus

sono

Nerve entrapment

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

CTS

Ulnar neuropathy

Fibular neuropathy

Piezoelectric effect

Medical imaging

Muscle ultrasound

Neuromuscular diagnostics

Electrodiagnostic medicine

CTS

carpal tunnel syndrome

ultrasound

nmus

sono

ultrasound