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Delayed cervical somatosensory potentials in cervical spondylosis
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
|March 1, 1979
Summary
Cervical spondylosis patients often show abnormal cervical somatosensory evoked potentials (CSSEP) after median nerve stimulation. These tests can reveal delays or absence of potentials, indicating nerve pathway issues in cervical spondylosis with radiculopathy or myelopathy.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurophysiology
- Spinal Cord Medicine
Background:
- Cervical spondylosis is a common degenerative condition affecting the cervical spine.
- Radiculopathy and myelopathy are serious complications that can arise from cervical spondylosis, impacting nerve function.
- Assessing nerve pathway integrity is crucial for diagnosing and managing these conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of cervical somatosensory evoked potentials (CSSEP) in patients with cervical spondylosis.
- To determine the correlation between CSSEP abnormalities and the presence of radiculopathy or myelopathy in cervical spondylosis.
Main Methods:
- Median nerve stimulation was performed on 14 patients diagnosed with cervical spondylosis and radiculopathy.
- CSSEP were recorded to assess nerve signal transmission.
- In 10 of these patients, the presence of myelopathy was also considered.
Main Results:
- Four patients exhibited normal CSSEP findings.
- Five patients demonstrated delayed CSSEP, suggesting slowed nerve conduction.
- The remaining five patients showed no observable CSSEP, indicating a significant disruption in signal transmission.
Conclusions:
- CSSEP abnormalities are common in patients with cervical spondylosis, particularly those with radiculopathy or myelopathy.
- Delayed or absent potentials may indicate the severity of neural compromise in cervical spondylosis.
- CSSEP serves as a valuable electrophysiological tool for evaluating neurological deficits in cervical spondylosis.