RT Book, Section A1 Paganoni, Sabrina A1 Ensrud, Erik A2 Amato, Anthony A. A2 Russell, James A. SR Print(0) ID 1115663222 T1 Neuromuscular Mimics T2 Neuromuscular Disorders, 2e YR 2015 FD 2015 PB McGraw-Hill Education PP New York, NY SN 9780071752503 LK neurology.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1115663222 RD 2024/03/28 AB We define “neuromuscular mimic” as any musculoskeletal condition that presents with pain and apparent weakness, and can mimic a neuromuscular etiology such as radiculopathy or entrapment neuropathy. “Limb pain” is a common reason for referral to the clinic and EMG laboratory and the identification of the underlying pain generator is often challenging. For example, in two series of patients referred for electrodiagnostic testing for suspected cervical or lumbosacral radiculopathy, the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was 42% and 32%, respectively.1,2 Thus, musculoskeletal disorders are common in patients suspected of having a radiculopathy. They can mimic radiculopathy or coexist with it in many individuals.1,2 Importantly, neuromuscular mimics can often be diagnosed quickly at the bedside and are eminently treatable. Their prompt recognition may avoid unnecessary and expensive diagnostic procedures and result in more efficient clinical practice. It is common for physicians from many specialties to be unfamiliar with recognizing these conditions.3