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Electrodiagnostic findings in syringomyelia.
1Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Raúl Carrea Institute for Neurological Research (FLENI), Montañeses 2325, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina. mnogues@fleni.org.ar
Muscle & Nerve
|November 24, 1999
Summary
This study identifies specific electromyographic (EMG) activities and reflex responses in syringomyelia patients. These findings offer more precise electrodiagnosis for syringomyelia than traditional methods.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurophysiology
Background:
- Syringomyelia diagnosis often relies on nonspecific electrodiagnostic abnormalities.
- There is a need for more specific electrophysiological markers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe distinct spontaneous electromyographic (EMG) activities and reflex responses in syringomyelia.
- To evaluate their utility in improving the electrodiagnosis of syringomyelia.
Main Methods:
- Studied 43 patients diagnosed with syringomyelia.
- Utilized four-channel surface EMG and recorded long-latency responses (LLR) to median and tibial nerve stimulation.
Main Results:
- Observed various spontaneous EMG activities: continuous motor unit activity (CMUA) in 18 patients, synchronous motor unit potentials (SMUP) in 10, respiratory synkinesis (RS) in 5, and myokymic discharges in 4.
- Detected LLRs (55-150 ms latency) in 14 patients.
- Demonstrated significant variability in EMG findings among patients.
Conclusions:
- Syringomyelia presents with diverse spontaneous EMG activities and reflex responses.
- Increased spinal motor neuron excitability is a likely underlying mechanism.
- These specific findings enhance the electrodiagnostic specificity for syringomyelia.