Serial phrenic nerve conduction studies in candidates for diaphragm pacing
Lieberman, J.S.; Corkill, G.; Nayak, N.N.; French, B.N.; Taylor, R.G.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 61(11): 528-531
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-9993 PMID: 7436714 Document Number: 168160
Serial phrenic nerve conduction studies in 3 patients with high cervical cord injuries have demonstrated a pattern of function that changes with time. Nerves may be responsive initially and may then become unresponsive only to have responses reappear at a later date. Before a final decision is made about phrenic nerve viability prior to diaphragm pacing, serial studies should be carried out for at least 6 weeks postinjury on initially responsive nerves, and for at least 2 years postinjury on nonresponsive nerves or those with a changing functional pattern.