Evident trans-synaptic degeneration of motor neurons after stroke: A study of neuromuscular jitter by axonal microstimulation
Journal
Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology - Electromyography and Motor Control
Journal Volume
109
Journal Issue
3
Pages
199-202
Date Issued
1998
Author(s)
Abstract
Neuronal degradation accompanied by axonal degeneration has been known to occur in lower motor neurons following a stroke. In the present study, the functional integrity of neuromuscular transmission was assessed, utilizing a sensitive electrodiagnostic method consisting of stimulated single-fiber electromyography (SFEMG), along with axonal microstimulation, in paralytic muscles of stroke patients. Neuromuscular jitter was measured in the hemiplegic side extensor digitorum communis (EDC) as well as in anterior tibial (AT) muscles for 28 stroke patients and also for 13 age-matched controls. The disease duration, i.e. from the onset of stroke until the stimulated SFEMG examination, extended from 2 months to 8 years. Mean jitters obtained in EDC and AT muscles of stroke patients were found to be significantly greater than those in normal controls. Mean jitters obtained in severely weak muscles of stroke patients were greater than those in moderately weak muscles. Positive correlations were noted between the increased jitter and the disease duration from the onset of stroke until the time of the stimulated SFEMG test. These findings demonstrate a dysfunction of neuromuscular transmission in the paralytic muscles of stroke patients and suggests that trans-synaptic degeneration of motor neurons may occur in stroke. Furthermore, the neuronal degradation in stroke was positively correlated with the course duration of the disease. Copyright (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.
Subjects
Jitter; Neuronal degradation; Stimulated single-fiber electromyography; Stroke
SDGs
Other Subjects
adult; aged; article; clinical article; electromyogram; female; human; male; nerve fiber degeneration; neuromuscular transmission; paralysis; priority journal; stroke; Aged; Axons; Cerebrovascular Disorders; Electric Stimulation; Electromyography; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Motor Neurons; Muscle Fibers; Nerve Degeneration; Neuromuscular Junction; Synapses
Type
journal article