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Simple Test of Electromyography on Arms Reliably Detects Awareness in Minimally Conscious Patients, Study Finds

A one-hour electromyography (EMG) test on both arms may reliably detect awareness in minimally conscious patients, according to a new study published in the October 21 online edition of Neurology. The study sought to overcome not only the expense and continued uncertainties of neuroimaging seen in prior studies of patients with disorders of consciousness, but also the confusion that can occur when multiple trials of EMG are attempted over a period of weeks or months. The standard protocol for using an EMG to detect awareness in response to instructions has involved multiple tests over a period of weeks or months. But EMG signals can vary between trials due to different placement of electrodes or small changes in conductivity due to sweating. Moreover, a patient’s level of awareness can fluctuate over time. Despite taking a great deal of time, the results can therefore be confused by inter-trial variation.