EMG indications and findings in a sub-Saharan African neurorehabilitation center

Objective: This study aims to assess the frequency and indication for electrodiagnostic referrals as well as to summarize the findings from the procedure at a neurorehabilitation center in Ibadan, Nigeria. Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study. Data from referrals to Blossom Medical Centre/World Federation for Neurorehabilitation (BMC/WFNR) center, Ibadan, Nigeria, from April 2014 to December 2016 were collated and analyzed. Results: Sixty referrals were received during the period of evaluation. Neurologists referred most of the patients (47; 71.7%). Disorders of the peripheral nerves were the most frequent reasons for electromyography (EMG), and they were the most common electrodiagnosis with better classified into axonal and demyelinating types. The overall congruence between the suspected diagnosis and final diagnosis was 58.3%. Requests by neurologists were significantly more appropriate than those by other specialists (p value = 0.02). Conclusion: Polyneuropathy, entrapment neuropathy, and disorders of the motor nerve root and plexus were the most common reasons for electrodiagnostic requests, and the majority of the referrals were from neurologists. Significance: EMG has changed the approach towards the diagnosis and management of neuromuscular disorders in Nigeria. It is hoped that with more neurophysiology education in this environment, neurophysiological practice will become widely available.