Magnetic stimulation of the human peripheral nerves.

In this report some preliminary data after magnetic stimulation of the peripheral nerves in 8 normal individuals are presented. Compound muscle action potentials were recorded by surface electrodes after magnetic and conventional electrical stimulation of the median, ulnar, peroneal, tibial, femoral and sciatic nerves, and the lumbosacral roots. The data clearly show the ability of the magnetic coil to stimulate the roots in sites relatively inaccessible to electrical stimulation and obtain consistent muscle response suggesting important clinical application of magnetic stimulation in lumbosacral root disorders. However, before the magnetic coil can be recommended for general use, a very careful study comparing the responses after conventional electrical stimulation with those obtained after magnetic stimulation of each nerve in the upper and lower limbs must be evaluated.