Muscle potentials evoked by magnetic stimulation of the sciatic nerve in unilateral sciatic nerve dysfunction

Magnetic stimulation of the sciatic nerve and subsequent recording of the muscle-evoked potential (MEP) was performed in eight dogs and three cats with unilateral sciatic nerve dysfunction. Localisation of the lesion in the sciatic nerve was based on the history, clinical neurological examination and on results of electromyography examination. Aetiology of the sciatic nerve lesion was diverse. A significant difference was found in MEP between the normal and the affected limbs. In addition, absence of conscious pain sensation, absence of voluntary motor function and a poor outcome seemed associated with the inability to evoke an MEP in the affected limb.