The Effect of Topical Anesthetic (EMLA? cream) for the Reduction of pain during Needle Electromyography

J Korean Assoc EMG Electrodiagn Med 1999;1(1):89-92.
Published online January 1, 1999.

Abstract

Objectives : We assessed the most painful area the pain experiences in the patients underwent needle electromyography and the analgesic effect of EMLA? cream. Methods : pain was assessed during the needle EMG examination in 30 examinees using pain rating index (PRI) of McGill pain questionaire and visual analogue scale(VAS). For the assessment of analgesic effect of EMLA? cream, the cream was applied 90 minutes before EMG study on the muscles of one side of body and placebo was applied on the other side. Results : The most painful area in the upper body was paracervicalis, abducter pollicis brevis, and 1st digital interosseous muscles in order. paralumbar muscle was the most painful area in the lower body followed by extensor digitorum brevis and abductor hallucis muscles. PRI and VAS scores were lower in the muscles with EMLA? cream application than those of placebo, but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusion : paraspinal area was the most painful area during needle EMG. the pain reducing effect of EMLA?cream was not statistically significant than placebo during needle EMG.

Key Words: EMLA?cream, Pain, Electromyography