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Sensory modulation of fasciculation discharge frequency
Mamede de Carvalho1, Antonia Turkman2, Michael Swash1,3
1Instituto de Fisiologia, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal.
Muscle & Nerve
|February 28, 2019
Summary
Sensory stimulation can increase fasciculation frequency in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients, suggesting heightened lower motor neuron (LMN) excitability in this disease. This finding offers insights into LMN dysfunction in ALS.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurophysiology
Background:
- Fasciculations are a key diagnostic indicator for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
- Fasciculations are associated with increased excitability of lower motor neurons (LMNs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if sensory nerve electrical stimulation and muscle vibration can modulate fasciculation frequency in patients with ALS.
- To compare these effects in patients with spinal muscular atrophy and benign fasciculation syndrome.
Main Methods:
- Peripheral sensory nerve electrical stimulation and vibration (50 and 100 Hz) were applied to the first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscle.
- Fasciculation frequency was measured in patients with ALS, spinal muscular atrophy, and benign fasciculation syndrome.
- ALS patients' FDI muscles were categorized based on needle electromyography findings (neurogenic changes present or absent).
Main Results:
- Both sensory nerve electrical stimulation and vibration significantly increased fasciculation frequency in the FDI muscles of ALS patients with neurogenic changes.
- No significant modulation of fasciculation frequency was observed in patients with spinal muscular atrophy or benign fasciculation syndrome, or in ALS patients without neurogenic changes.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the hypothesis of increased LMN excitability in ALS.
- Sensory input can modulate fasciculations originating from diseased LMNs in ALS patients.
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