EMG recordings are particularly helpful in
establishing the location, severity and extent of
a peripheral nerve problem. The recording electrode
is placed into the belly of the muscle
innervated by the peripheral nerve that is pathologically
involved or placed at risk by surgical
manipulation. During the procedure, nerve
integrity can be monitored by proximal application
of an electrical stimulus with assessment
of the resulting muscle activity through EMG
recordings. This technique can also be used to
demonstrate the identity of a nerve by the
pattern of muscle responses seen after stimulation.