Measuremen of Spinal Cord Motor Conduction by Magnetic Stimulation Study
Resource
Japanese Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine v.46 n.9 pp.561-564
Journal
Japanese Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine
Journal Volume
v.46
Journal Issue
n.9
Pages
561-564
Date Issued
2009
Date
2009
Author(s)
CHANG, CHEIN-WEI
Abstract
Neuroimages are well known for showing morphologic and anatomic changes of spinal cord, while electrophysiologic studies provide an objective evaluation of the functional integrity of the cord. SSEP is originally an estimate of dysfunction of afferent sensory pathways in the dorsal column of spinal cord. However, motor evoked potential (MEP) study, developed since 1980, has become a useful tool in evaluation of electrophysiologic function of the central motor pathways in spinal cord diseases. For measurement of spinal cord motor conduction velocity (SCMCV), invasive methods with needle stimulation of spinal cord or direct cord stimulation during spinal surgery have been used. MEP study by pulse magnetic stimulation, moreover, offering advantages of non-invasive, painless and deep penetration of nerve tissues has become a potential in clinical evaluation of spinal cord dysfunction. cord stimulation during spinal surgery have been used. MEP study by pulse magnetic stimulation, moreover, offering advantages of non-invasive, painless and deep penetration of nerve tissues has become a potential in clinical evaluation of spinal cord dysfunction. Among spinal cord diseases, recording of MEPs have enabled the estimation of central conduction times which are related to the conduction of axons passing through the compressed or injuried segment of spinal cord. It is being shown to be safe, reproducible, and quite valuable in monitoring electrophysiologic functions of spinal cord. Measurement of SCMCV is feasible and may provide a non-invasive objective and quantitative method for assessing the functional integrity of spinal motor pathway. This has been found to correlate well with clinical examination scores and as predictors of outcome in spinal cord diseases.
Subjects
Nerve conduction study
Spinal cord
Magnetic stimulation