By the end of this chapter, the reader should be able to:
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Conduct a structured assessment that determines whether a patient is a suitable candidate for electrical stimulation of denervated muscle
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Distinguish upper motor neuron from lower motor neuron pathology and explain why this distinction determines the stimulation approach
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Screen for absolute and relative contraindications and apply clinical judgement to borderline cases
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Set realistic, documented treatment goals that sustain long-term adherence and satisfy funder requirements
Assessment is the process of determining not only whether electrical stimulation would be valuable for an individual but also which stimulation parameters to use. It is the clinical foundation that determines which approach to use, what realistic expectations to set, and how to document progress in a way that satisfies clinical governance, funders, and the patient's own need to understand their treatment.