TY - JOUR T1 - Beware of deep brain stimulation devices during neurophysiology JF - Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry JO - J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry SP - 702 LP - 703 DO - 10.1136/jnnp.2008.170282 VL - 81 IS - 6 AU - Alexander St John Edward Barker AU - Marios Hadjivassiliou AU - Aijaz Ali Khan AU - Dasappaiah Ganesh Rao Y1 - 2010/06/01 UR - http://jnnp.bmj.com/content/81/6/702.abstract N2 - Electromyography (EMG) and nerve-conduction studies (NCS) are subject to artefacts. In the context of these investigations, an artefact is defined as any electrical signal not originating from nerve or muscle.1 Erroneous interpretation of results may occur in electrodiagnostic studies if artefacts distort or obliterate the genuine response.1 Common causes of artefact include power lines (50 Hz UK, 60 Hz USA), radiofrequency interference, defective needle insulation and stimulus artefact. Artefact can also be caused by any intracorporeal or intracranial device which produces a potential difference (voltage) significant enough to be recorded during NCS or EMG studies. Artefacts caused by devices such as cardiac pacemakers2 and vagus nerve stimulators3 are well documented in the literature.More recent advances in the treatment of conditions such as Parkinson's disease, benign essential tremor, cerebellar tremor and other movement disorders have led to an increasing number of patients having deep brain stimulation (DBS) devices implanted. These devices can produce … ER -