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F-wave and Cervical Somatosensory Response Conduction from the Seventh Cervical Spinous Process to Cortex in Multiple Sclerosis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 September 2015

Andrew Eisen*
Affiliation:
Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
Kenneth Nudleman
Affiliation:
Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
*
Montreal Neurological Hospital, 3801 University Street, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada.
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Transit (conduction) times from the wrist to the seventh cervical spinous process (C7) were measured by using the F-wave response (TA) and the cervical somatosensory response (SEPC). The mean values obtained in 25 controls were 10.1 ± 0.9 s-3 and 10.9 ± 1.0 s-3 respectively. The 0.8 ± 1.0 s-3 difference between the two methods represents central delay of SEPC, possibly at the level of the dorsal root ganglion. The mean onset latency of the cortical somatosensory response (SEPA) evoked by median nerve stimulation in the same subjects was 15.5 ± 1.0 s-3. Transit time from C7 to the cortex (TB) given by either SEPA - TA or SEPA - SEPC - 0.8, where 0.8 is the necessary corrective factor for central delay of SEPC, was 5.3 ± 1.0 s-3. These techniques were applied to 10 patients suspected of having multiple sclerosis, but without clinical evidence of involvement above C7. Six of the 10 cases showed prolongation of TB. In 4 of these, this could only be calculated by the F-wave method since SEPC was absent. It is concluded that transit times derived from either the F-wave or SEPC are equally valid and interchangeable. The absence of one response allows for its replacement by the other.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation 1978

References

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