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Somato-sensory evoked potentials in diabetes type I
L Bartolomei1, S Lelli, P Negrin
1Servizio di Elettromiografia e Neurofisiologia Clinica, Università di Padova, Italia.
Electromyography and Clinical Neurophysiology
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Diabetic neuropathy can affect nerves throughout the body, even in young patients. Somatosensory Evoked Potential (SEP) testing reveals multifocal nerve damage, aiding in early diagnosis of diabetic complications.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Endocrinology
- Diabetology
Background:
- Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) is a chronic condition requiring lifelong management.
- Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication, often affecting peripheral nerves.
- Early detection of neurological involvement is crucial for preventing further damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the extent and location of neurological damage in young patients with IDDM.
- To correlate clinical and metabolic findings with neurophysiological data.
- To evaluate the utility of Somatosensory Evoked Potential (SEP) in assessing diabetic neuropathy.
Main Methods:
- Studied 29 young patients with IDDM.
- Recorded Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) and Somatosensory Evoked Potential (SEP) from median and posterior tibial nerves.
- Correlated neurophysiological findings with clinical and metabolic profiles.
Main Results:
- High incidence of distal neuropathy observed.
- Significant alterations in brachial plexus and cauda equina conduction identified.
- SEP testing demonstrated multifocal nerve damage.
Conclusions:
- Diabetic neuropathy in young patients can be multifocal, affecting both distal nerves and nerve plexuses.
- SEP technique offers a valuable tool for comprehensive assessment of neurological complications in diabetic disease.
- Early neurophysiological evaluation is recommended for young individuals with diabetes.