ELECTRODIAGNOSTIC STUDIES IN GERIATRIC PATIENTS

Year 2024, , 142 - 147, 30.06.2024

Semra Aktürk

https://doi.org/10.33457/ijhsrp.1478590

Abstract

In this study, we evaluated the neurophysiologic examinations of elderly patients admitted to our electroneuromyography (ENMG) laboratory to examine whether neuromuscular diseases vary with age as in many other diseases. ENMG examinations of 215 patients aged 65 years and older who applied to our ENMG laboratory in the last 3 years were retrospectively evaluated. Data of 79 males (36.7%) and 136 females (63.3%) with a mean age of 73.2±7.02 years were analyzed. The most common diagnoses in elderly patients were entrapment neuropathies (37.2%), followed by carpal tunnel syndrome. The other main pathologies were various peripheral nerve lesions (15.8%), polyneuropathy (14.9%) and radiculopathy (13%). Electrodiagnostic examinations were normal in 16.4% of the cases. In our patients over 65 years of age, the most common electrodiagnostic diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome was bilateral (74.6%). Diabetes mellitus was diagnosed in a significant proportion of patients with polyneuropathy. The rate of chemotherapy-induced polyneuropathy was also remarkable. Sciatic nerve damage was the most common peripheral nerve lesion. It is thought-provoking that these rates are still observed even though it is a well-known injection complication and despite all precautions taken. Early diagnosis of neuromuscular diseases and timely initiation of treatment are very important for prognosis. Electrodiagnostic examinations have a valuable role in the diagnosis and follow-up of these diseases. These diseases should not be ignored in the elderly population and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment should always be considered.

Keywords

Elektroneuromyography, Neuropathy, Geriatrics

Ethical Statement

Bu çalışma için İnönü Üniversitesi Bilimsel Araştırma ve Yayın Etiği Kurulundan onay alınmıştır (2024/6015)

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