American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM)

In a patient with progressive hand weakness, is a good, careful clinical examination enough to make a diagnosis? Should we forget about EMG, ultrasound, and other testing? Maybe, maybe not. Tune in to this episode to hear an expert neuromuscular specialist perspective.

Do you think that patients with fasciculations should always be evaluated with an EMG? Tune in to this episode to see how to approach an unusual patient with fasciculations.

In this podcast, we will unpack the neuroprotective role of sex hormones and the profound hormonal changes that happen during perimenopause and after menopause. With our experts Ileana Howard, MD, Rebecca O'Bryan, MD, Seneca Storm, MD, and Amanda Wise DO, we will delve into common musculoskeletal symptoms associated with this transformative stage of women's life and how to reach a diagnosis and deliver optimum care.AANEM podcasts are intended for educational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of AANEM. Podcast content should not be interpreted as clinical, legal, or reimbursement advice. Contact ⁠aanem@aanem.org ⁠with any questions or concerns.

Tune in to this episode to learn important pearls about performing pediatric EMG as Drs. Rubin and Jarrar talk through an interesting case of a young patient with progressive weakness.

Shawn Jorgenson, MD facilitates a debate between Larry Robinson, MD and Jeff Strakowski, MD: Should a Combined Sensory Index be Used in Every Case of Suspected Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?AANEM podcasts are intended for educational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of AANEM. Podcast content should not be interpreted as clinical, legal, or reimbursement advice. Contact ⁠aanem@aanem.org ⁠with any questions or concerns.

Carrie Ford, CNCT specialist II facilitates a debate between Michael Andary, MD and Nassim Rad, MD on the balance between diagnostic testing and clinical care — when it’s appropriate to add an Evaluation and Management component to the EMG, and when it’s more appropriate to keep the study purely diagnostic.AANEM podcasts are intended for educational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of AANEM. Podcast content should not be interpreted as clinical, legal, or reimbursement advice. Contact ⁠aanem@aanem.org ⁠with any questions or concerns.

Do you think that patients that complain of shoulder pain should always be evaluated with an EMG? Perhaps not, but not all shoulder pain is orthopedic in nature. Tune in to this episode to see how EMG can help when the cause of shoulder pain may not be obvious?

Do you have questions about neuralgic amyotrophy? In this episode, Shawn Jorgensen, MD will check in with Joelle Gabet, MD, the lead author of the recent review of neuralgic amyotrophy in Muscle and Nerve. She will review recent updates in the clinical presentation, electrodiagnosis, imaging, and treatment of this disorder with a focus on evolving aspects, including imaging findings and surgical and non-surgical implications.

Have you ever experienced tingling after running a marathon? Is marathon running good for your nerves? Tune in to this episode and listen to Drs. Rubin and Shahrizaila discuss an unusual case to help you decide whether or not to take up running.

Do you know what neuromuscular condition Spock from Star Trek may have had? Tune in to this Lessons from the Lab to learn!

This AANEM podcast features Dr. Joome Suh, a neurologist and neuromuscular specialist at Brigham and Women's Hospital, interviewed by neuromuscular fellow Dr. Nadia Khalil. They discuss HMG-CoA reductase immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (HMGCR IMNM), a rare autoimmune muscle disease often associated with statin use. The discussion covers clinical presentation, epidemiologic considerations, histopathologic findings, and treatment approaches, with special focus on Dr. Suh’s recent research published in Muscle and Nerve with co-author Dr. Anthony Amato. Their study found that patients receiving maintenance IVIG as part of their regimen were more likely to have a normal CK at 6 months and the daily prednisone-equivalent was lower. A sub-group analysis suggested IVIG as monotherapy is effective.

In this podcast, host Carrie Ford, CNCT, R.NCS.T., interviews 4 nerve conduction technologists: Candy Dolan, CNCT, R.NCS.T, R.EEGT, Pati Ramsey, CNCT, R.NCS.T, Nicole Wiley, CNCT, and Nathaniel Dickey, CNCT.They discuss how AANEM transformed their field by establishing the Certified Nerve Conduction Technologist (CNCT) credential in 2011. The technologists share insights about AANEM membership benefits, certification challenges, employer support and offer advice to newcomers on mentorship and continuous learning. All emphasize the importance of certification and community involvement in maintaining professional standards.

Enjoy this Valentine’s Day edition of Lessons From the Lab! Drs. Rubin and Levin work through a case with some twists and turns and a variety of teaching points – it’s just like not knowing what you are going to get when you open a box of Valentine’s Day chocolates!