Nerves: Pediatric Neuromuscular Ultrasound

Neuromuscular ultrasound is a distinct specialty concerned with the assessment of primary neuromuscular disorders using high-resolution ultrasonography. Ultrasound allows the assessment of the structural and anatomical aspect of the peripheral nervous system and thus complements the electrodiagnostic tests which assess the functional aspect. Given its many advantages, neuromuscular ultrasound is an attractive diagnostic, interventional, and follow-up tool in children with neuromuscular disorders. The applications of neuromuscular ultrasound in children are not fully explored but the future is promising. In this chapter, we present the principles of neuromuscular ultrasound, the general scanning techniques of peripheral nerves and skeletal muscles, the scanning protocols in nerve and muscle disorders, and the value of neuromuscular ultrasound in different pediatric neuromuscular diseases in addition to highlights on advanced ultrasound techniques, ultrasound-guided procedures, and future directions. The detailed hands-on scanning techniques of all peripheral nerves and muscles are out of scope of this chapter and are best learned through hands-on courses and workshops.