Impairment of central motor conduction in diabetic patients

In 70 patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) we recorded the motor evoked potentials (MEPs) following magnetic stimulation of the motor cortex and spinal roots. Central motor conduction time (CMCT) was determined as the difference between MEP latencies after cortical and spinal stimulation. The mean CMCTs for the biceps, thenar and tibialis anterior muscles were prolonged in the DM group, as compared to normal controls, and 21 patients exceeded the CMCT upper confidence limit for at least one muscle. CMCT changes and peripheral conduction velocity abnormalities occurred independently and were related to different clinical parameters. We conclude that a subclinical impairment of central motor conduction is present in 30% of DM patients, independently from the occurrence of a diabetic peripheral neuropathy and possibly reflecting different pathophysiological mechanisms.