Central conduction studies in patients with spinal cord injury and other forms of myelopathy

Central conduction studies allow objective determination of the integrity and functional properties of corticospinal tracts compromised by trauma or other forms of myelopathy. This review briefly describes some of the neurological reinforcement techniques that may be employed to maximize the probability of detecting preserved corticospinal innervation to interneurons or motoneuron pools in myelopathic patients. This is followed by an overview of how central conduction studies are being used to evaluate the efficacy of new interventions designed to ameliorate central conduction deficits due to focal demyelination. In particular a summary is provided of studies employing induced whole body hypothermia, or the K(+) channel blocking agent 4-aminopyridine, to enhance central conduction in spinal cord injured patients.