Stimulation variables in electroneurography of the facial nerve.

Electroneurography is an electrophysiologic measurement of compound action potentials elicited by the supramaximal stimulation of a peripheral nerve. The stimulus intensity-response function was examined in the cat facial nerve following stimulation over two different sites of the facial nerve: the main trunk and the buccal branches. Thresholds were achieved at lower current settings, the resultant compound action potential exhibited a greater amplitude, and masseter muscle excitation was more evident following stimulation over the buccal region. The use of concurrent facial- and masseter-evoked electromyographic monitoring allows more sensitive detection of masseter excitation and a more accurate determination of the current level necessary for supramaximal stimulation.