Effect of Ethyl Chloride on Pain Provoked during Needle Electromyography

J Korean Assoc EMG Electrodiagn Med 2006;8(2):104-108.
Published online May 10, 2006.

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the analgesic effect of the ethyl chloride spray to the needling area of the patients who undergoes needle electromyography. Methods: Thirty examinee participated in this study. The ethyl chloride was sprayed on one side of body and no pretreatment on the other side before each needling procedure. The level of pain was assessed by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) after needling. The level of resistance to have another needle EMG in the future was evaluated after EMG study completed. Results: VAS were significantly lower in the ethyl chloride spray group than the control group (P<0.05) but no significant difference was exist between poximal and distal muscle when ethyl chloride pretreatment was done. The resistance of examinee to have another EMG study in the future was not significantly lower in the ethyl chloride spray group (p>0.05). Conclusions: These results showed that the pain from needling in EMG could be reduced by the ethyl chloride spray.

Key Words: Ethyl chloride, Electromyography