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Electromyography of the muscles of oropharyngeal swallowing: Basic concepts

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Abstract

Electromyography (EMG) has a valuable role in the evaluation of swallowing and its disorders, because it can assess the activity of individual muscles. Electromyographic kinesiology is a method for examining the physiology of swallowing. Analysis of individual myoelectric potentials is a technique for studying the integrity of the motor unit. This paper introduces the concepts of the motor unit, explains basic principles of EMG, and explores their relevance to the study of oropharyngeal swallowing. Several cases are presented to illustrate how EMG contributes to clinical diagnosis.

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  1. Division of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University, Good Samaritan Professional Building, 5601 Loch Raven Boulevard, Suite 303, 21239, Baltimore, MD, USA

    Jeffrey B. Palmer M.D.

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  1. Jeffrey B. Palmer M.D.
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Palmer, J.B. Electromyography of the muscles of oropharyngeal swallowing: Basic concepts. Dysphagia 3, 192–198 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02407223

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02407223

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