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Does ulnar neuropathy predispose to focal dystonia?
M H Ross1, M E Charness, D Lee
1Division of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Muscle & Nerve
|June 1, 1995
Summary
Musicians with focal dystonia or ulnar neuropathy exhibit abnormal muscle activity patterns during finger tapping. Ulnar neuropathy may alter motor control, impacting tasks involving multiple peripheral nerves.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neuromuscular Disorders
- Musculoskeletal System
Background:
- Musicians frequently experience ulnar neuropathy, often associated with dystonic finger flexion.
- The relationship between ulnar neuropathy and focal dystonia in musicians requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare surface electromyography (EMG) patterns in musicians with focal dystonia and ulnar neuropathy.
- To investigate the link between ulnar neuropathy and abnormal motor control in finger movements.
Main Methods:
- Surface EMG activity was recorded from extensor digitorum communis (EDC4) and flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS4) during ring finger tapping.
- EMG patterns were analyzed in healthy controls, patients with focal dystonia, and patients with ulnar neuropathy.
Main Results:
- Normal subjects showed distinct, alternating EMG bursts with clear silent periods.
- Patients with focal dystonia displayed poorly formed bursts and a loss of silent periods.
- A significant proportion of patients with ulnar neuropathy (90%) exhibited similar EMG abnormalities, suggesting altered motor execution.
Conclusions:
- Focal dystonia in musicians is characterized by disrupted EMG patterns during finger tapping.
- Ulnar neuropathy significantly alters motor control, leading to EMG abnormalities similar to those seen in focal dystonia.
- These findings suggest that ulnar neuropathy impacts the execution of motor tasks involving multiple peripheral nerves.