Electroencephalography and clinical neurophysiology
-
Electroencephalogr Clin Neurophysiol · Dec 1995
Comparison of various coils used for magnetic stimulation of peripheral motor nerves: physiological considerations and consequences for diagnostic use.
We compared the ability of 4 magnetic coils to activate peripheral nerves in healthy subjects. No differences in motor threshold intensities were found between the coils, but the intensities needed to elicit maximum compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitudes were different. For superficial nerves maximum CMAPs in comparison with electrical stimulation were usually but not always found. ⋯ Coactivation of nearby nerves and underlying muscles was another main drawback especially at proximal sites and for coils of large diameter. Despite better focusing, double coils are less useful due to their great diameter. Magnetic stimulation cannot replace electrical neurography at the moment, even if different coils are used at different sites of stimulation.