Double-Blind Randomized Control Trial to Evaluate Efficacy of Tramadol for Pain Relief during the Electromyography of Lumbar Region and Pelvic Extremities

Abstract

Introduction: An electromyography (EMG) is the registration of bioelectrical activity generated by the muscle through a needle electrode to provide information on the degree or type of neurological injury. Pain during the procedure is a common obstacle. Aim: This study aims to measure the effect of tramadol against a placebo on the reduction of somatic pain during the EMG intervention. Patients and Methods: A double-blind, randomized control trial was conducted in the "Hospital General de México, " from October 2012 to April 2013; 84 adult patients, aged 18-65 years, of either gender, who were diagnosed with chronic lumbar radiculopathy and scheduled for an elective EMG were consecutively enrolled for this study. Results: A total of 57 patients participated in the study. The gender ratio was 1:1; the population age was 47.16 ± 13.31 years. In decreasing order, the most affected nerves were L5 (40.4%), L4 (31.6%), S1 (7%), and non-specific or multilevel radiculopathy in 12 patients (21.1%). The initial pain threshold (5.58 ± 1.92 kg/cm 2 ) and the final pain threshold (5.33 ± 1.79 kg/cm 2 ) were determined. Conclusions: The administration of tramadol (30 mg) before undergoing an EMG of the lower extremities was not effective for decreasing pain intensity during this procedure.