Clinical and economic arguments to support a neuromuscular ultrasound service

摘要

Neuromuscular ultrasound (NMUS) is no longer an emerging diagnostic modality. Rather, it is an established and core compo- nent of modern neuromuscular medicine. It is likely that many neuromuscular physicians and clinical neurophysiologists have already considered how to incorporate NMUS into their clinical practice. There are some barriers to establishing a NMUS practice as part of a neurology or neurophysiology department. The key ones are equipment costs, theoretical and technical knowledge deficits, and access to sufficient, quality practical experience. Below is a summary of the arguments in favor of incorporating NMUS into all major neurology departments; the resources pre- sently available; and, possible solutions to the residual hurdles preventing universal deployment of the technique.