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Focal paresthesias with cervical magnetic stimulation
1Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Neurology
|August 1, 1996
Summary
Cervical magnetic stimulation reliably causes hand paresthesias that are anatomically accurate, correlating with sensory nerve action potentials. This validates subjective experiences from magnetic stimulation for neurological research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biophysics
Background:
- Cervical magnetic stimulation can induce paresthesias in the hand.
- The physiological accuracy of these subjective sensations has been questioned.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the anatomical accuracy and physiological validity of paresthesias induced by cervical magnetic stimulation.
- To correlate subjective paresthesia reports with objective neurophysiological measurements.
Main Methods:
- Six subjects received cervical magnetic stimulation using a butterfly coil at precise intervals.
- Recorded subjective paresthesia location/intensity, sensory nerve action potentials (SNAPs), and optionally finger accelerometry or motor action potentials (CMAPs).
Main Results:
- A strong correlation was observed between reported paresthesias and SNAPs.
- Anatomical divergence was noted between paresthesias and accelerometry or CMAPs.
- Paresthesias were found to be reliable and anatomically accurate.
Conclusions:
- Focal paresthesias from cervical magnetic stimulation are physiologically valid and anatomically precise.
- These findings support the reliability of other magnetic sensory phenomena in research.