Related Experiment Videos
Somatosensory evoked potentials in aphasic patients
R Dickstein1, R Zaslansky, N Abulaffio
1Department of Physical Therapy, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel.
The International Journal of Neuroscience
|September 1, 1996
Summary
Somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) reveal significant sensory deficits in many aphasic patients. These subtle somatosensory impairments are often overlooked during conventional examinations.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Aphasia, often resulting from stroke, can impact motor and sensory functions.
- Conventional physical examinations may not adequately assess somatosensory deficits in hemiplegic aphasic patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To utilize evoked potentials to evaluate somatosensory system function in right hemiplegic aphasic patients.
- To identify subtle or overlooked somatosensory impairments in this patient group.
Main Methods:
- Bilateral somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) were recorded following median nerve stimulation.
- 20 right hemiplegic aphasic patients and 20 age-matched healthy controls participated.
- Unilateral recordings were performed in controls for comparison.
Main Results:
- Absence or reduced amplitude of cortical components N19 and P22 was observed on the lesioned side in 13 patients.
- Significant differences in cortical component amplitude were found between lesioned and non-lesioned brain sides in patients.
- Patients showed differences compared to healthy controls in cortical component amplitude.
Conclusions:
- A high probability of somatosensory deficits exists in aphasic patients.
- These deficits are often difficult to assess and may be overlooked.
- SEPs are a valuable tool for detecting these somatosensory impairments.