Following cervical spinal cord injury (SCI), changes to the central process of the peripheral sensory nerve as well as to the lower motor neuron (LMN) influence the clinical presentation. A review of the anatomy and pathologic changes impacting the peripheral sensory and motor nerves is essential to understanding the clinical presentation. Various electrophysiological methodologies are available to assist us in understanding the location, extent, and severity of the spinal cord lesion with respect to the central process of the sensory nerve and lower motor neuron. An experienced examiner will utilize the clinical examination findings with his or her appreciation of the natural history after traumatic cervical SCI to determine the appropriateness of specific electrophysiological tools in the assessment process or to determine a client’s candidacy for various interventions. The purpose of this article is to describe the electrophysiological testing methods used to assess peripheral sensory and motor nerves about the zone of injury in patients with cervical SCI that may augment the clinical assessment process and better define appropriate treatments or interventions.
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