The Effect of Combined Oral and Topical Analgesics to Reduce Pain Perception During Electrodiagnostic Testing

Electromyography (EMG) is a useful test for diagnosis and monitoring of lower motor neuron disorders. It is mostly done in conjunction with a Nerve Conduction Study (NCS). Like other invasive medical procedures; electrodiagnostic tests have been known to cause iatrogenic pain for the patient, the intensity of which varies from person to person. Multiple modifiable as well as non-modifiable risk factors associated with EMG pain have been described in literature.Various approaches targeting different mechanisms of pain perception have been tested to make this procedure comfortable for the patients. These approaches range from simple distraction techniques to the use of topical and oral analgesics.Most of these studies have looked at adult population which has, supposedly, better pain tolerance as compared to children. Data on EMG associated pain in pediatric population is scant. This trial will assess the effect of combined oral and topical analgesics to reduce pain perception during NCS and EMG tests in the pediatric population.