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S2, S3, and S4 Sacral Dermatomal Evoked Potentials: Technical Parameters and Normative Values.
Prasad Malladi1,2, Llwyd Orton3, Sara Simeoni1,2
1UCL Institute of Neurology-Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, London, United Kingdom.
Summary
Sacral dermatomal evoked potentials (dSEPs) for S2, S3, and S4 nerves were established in healthy adults. These dSEPs show potential for diagnosing sacral nerve conditions like cauda equina syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Electrophysiology
Background:
- Limited literature exists on sacral dermatomal evoked potentials (dSEPs).
- Establishing normative values for S2, S3, and S4 dSEPs is crucial for clinical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop stimulating parameters for sacral dSEPs.
- To establish normative values for S2, S3, and S4 dSEPs in healthy adults.
- To assess the influence of age, height, and BMI on sacral dSEP parameters.
Main Methods:
- Twenty healthy adults underwent tibial, pudendal, S2, S3, and S4 dSEPs.
- Stimulating and recording parameters were optimized.
- Latency, amplitude, and interpeak parameters were analyzed.
- Normative values were generated considering height, age, and BMI.
Main Results:
- Sacral dSEPs were well-tolerated and successfully recorded.
- S2 latency was mildly influenced by age and height; S3 and S4 latencies were not.
- BMI mildly affected S4 latency but not S2 or S3.
- Sacral dSEP latencies were comparable to pudendal SEPs, but not tibial SEPs.
Conclusions:
- S2, S3, and S4 sacral dSEPs are viable diagnostic tools.
- These potentials can aid in evaluating sacral nerve lesions, including cauda equina syndrome and Tarlov cysts.
- Sacral dSEPs complement pudendal and tibial somatosensory evoked potentials in clinical practice.
