Computerized interpretation of electromyographic data.

Abstract

A computer program was developed to plan, interpret and report the analysis of electromyographic data. The computer model formalized electrodiagnostic decisions through the use of a computational method known as augmented transition networks (ATN). The diagnoses of entrapment neuropathies, plexopathies, and radiculopathies were incorporated into the computer model. The system analyzed a difficult set of electromyographic (EMG) cases and the computer and physician reached the same conclusion 78% of the time. The system could explain the reason it reached its diagnostic conclusions and report to the physician all the relevant pathophysiologic derangements. The system could also offer advice on how one could strengthen a tentative diagnostic conclusion. While this system is limited in its diagnostic coverage of EMG problems, it may be a useful assistant to the electromyographer by focusing attention on significant pathophysiologic derangements detected on EMG examination.