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Evoked potentials in motor system diseases.
G D Cascino1, S R Ring, P J King
1Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114.
Neurology
|February 1, 1988
Summary
Evoked potentials like visual, auditory, and somatosensory tests rarely show abnormalities in motor system diseases (MSD). Their presence suggests an alternative diagnosis is likely needed.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Neurology
Background:
- Motor system diseases (MSD) encompass a range of neurological disorders affecting voluntary movement.
- Evoked potentials are electrophysiological tests used to assess the integrity of sensory and motor pathways in the central nervous system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the utility of pattern-shift visual (PSVEP), brainstem auditory (BAEP), and somatosensory (SEP) evoked potentials in diagnosing motor system diseases (MSD).
- To determine the frequency of central conduction abnormalities using these evoked potential modalities in MSD patients.
Main Methods:
- Studied 38 unselected patients with motor system diseases (MSD).
- Administered pattern-shift visual (PSVEP), brainstem auditory (BAEP), and somatosensory (SEP) evoked potential tests.
- Compared patient results with control group values.
Main Results:
- PSVEPs were normal in all patients.
- BAEPs were normal in all but one patient with hearing loss.
- Central conduction abnormalities on median and tibial SEPs were found in only 1 of 30 and 1 of 18 patients, respectively.
- Peripheral or central delays were noted in 8 patients on tibial nerve testing.
Conclusions:
- Central conduction abnormalities in SEP, BAEP, or PSVEP are rarely attributable to motor system diseases (MSD).
- The presence of these abnormalities in suspected MSD cases warrants investigation for alternative diagnoses.
- Evoked potential testing has limited diagnostic value for identifying central conduction abnormalities in MSD.