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Evaluation of cervical radiculopathy by cervical root stimulation
1Neurological Institute Neurosurgery Department, Veterans General Hospital Taipei, Taiwan.
Electromyography and Clinical Neurophysiology
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Cervical root stimulation (CRS) is more sensitive than conventional electromyographic (EMG) studies for diagnosing cervical radiculopathy. CRS aids in evaluating proximal root conduction, proving beneficial for pre-surgical assessments.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurophysiology
Background:
- Cervical radiculopathy diagnosis relies on various electrophysiological tests.
- Accurate assessment is crucial for effective treatment and surgical planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the diagnostic sensitivity of cervical root stimulation (CRS) against conventional electromyographic (EMG) studies.
- To evaluate the utility of CRS in assessing proximal root conduction in cervical radiculopathy patients.
Main Methods:
- 32 patients with cervical radiculopathy underwent CRS, conventional EMG, nerve conduction velocity (NCV), and F response studies.
- CRS involved stimulating paraspinal muscles and recording compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) in specific muscles.
Main Results:
- Conventional EMG showed abnormalities in 56.2% of patients.
- CRS demonstrated higher sensitivity, with abnormalities found in 78.1% of patients.
- Among patients who underwent surgery, only 76.9% had abnormal conventional EMG findings, compared to positive CRS tests in those with confirmed root compression.
Conclusions:
- Cervical root stimulation (CRS) is a highly sensitive diagnostic tool for cervical radiculopathy.
- CRS offers direct evaluation of proximal root conduction, enhancing pre-surgical assessment accuracy.