The investigation of traumatic lesions of the brachial plexus by electromyography and short latency somatosensory potentials evoked by stimulation of multiple peripheral nerves.

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Abstract
A study of 10 patients with brachial plexus trauma was performed to determine whether the diagnostic accuracy of sensory evoked potentials (SEP) may be improved by using stimulation of multiple peripheral nerves (median, radial, musculocutaneous and ulnar). The relative advantages of SEP and peripheral electrophysiological studies were considered. SEP patterns following most common brachial plexus lesions were predictable. Injuries to the upper trunk affected the musculocutaneous and radial SEP predominantly. Lower trunk or medial cord lesions primarily affected ulnar SEP. Diffuse brachial plexus lesions affected SEP from all stimulation sites. In the majority of cases, the necessary information was obtainable from conventional EMG [electromyography]: for lesions involving the upper segments only, SEP techniques were more useful. Selective SEP from appropriate peripheral nerves when interpreted in combination with conventional EMG may add useful additional information.