Physicians' Practice Patterns in Pediatric Electrodiagnosis

Abstract The medical literature contains contradictory reports and recommendations regarding pediatric patients' pain and distress during electrodiagnosis. We surveyed 117 pediatric neurologists and physiatrists regarding their practice patterns in pediatric electrodiagnosis; 84 (72%) responded, of whom 44 (52%) regularly perform electrodiagnosis on children (mean = 85 per year, representing 3,667 examinations per year). Respondents reported extreme behavioral distress (eg, screaming, flailing, requiring additional restraint, or attempting to leave the examination table) in 35% of examinations, most often among 2- to 6-year-olds. Pain medications are never prescribed by 45%, occasionally by 48%, and always by 2%; general anesthesia is never administered by 75%, occasionally by 21%. Only 32% reported that any psychological intervention is routinely offered to enhance child coping. Wide variability was found in physicians' preferences about parental presence, order of examinations, demonstration of procedures, and other aspects of electrodiagnosis.