TYPES OF PERIPHERAL NERVE
STIMULATION
Neuromuscular function is monitored by evaluating the muscular
response to supramaximal stimulation of a peripheral motor nerve. Two types of stimulation
can be used: electrical and magnetic. Electrical nerve stimulation is by far the
most commonly used method in clinical practice and is described in detail in this
chapter. In theory, magnetic nerve stimulation has several advantages over electrical
nerve stimulation.[7]
[8]
It is less painful and does not require physical contact with the body. However,
the required equipment is bulky and heavy, it cannot be used for train-of-four stimulation
and it is difficult to achieve supramaximal stimulation with this method. Therefore,
it is very seldom used in clinical anesthesia.
