J Korean Assoc EMG Electrodiagn Med Search

CLOSE


J Korean Assoc EMG Electrodiagn Med 2013;15(1):28-35.
Published online June 1, 2013.
Diagnostic Usefulness of Dermatomal Somatosensory Evoked Potentials by Low Intensity Stimulation in Cervical Compressive Radiculopathy
Received: 26 October 2012   • Revised: 19 May 2013   • Accepted: 19 May 2013
Abstract
Objectives: To investigate diagnostic usefulness of dermatomal somatosensory evoked potentials (DSEP) in the evaluation of cervical compressive radiculopathy using lower stimulation intensity. Methods: Sixty-five patients (36 male, 29 female, and 54.2±10.4 years old) with posterior neck pain were studied with C6 and C7 DSEP with intensity of 1.5 and 2.5 times sensory threshold , respectively and needle electromyography (EMG). The compressive radiculopathy was diagnosed by clinical symptoms and signs with cervical MRI or surgical findings. Results: The C6 nerve root compressions were noted in 42 cases. The C7 nerve compressions were noted in 34 cases. The diagnostic sensitivity of cervical radiculopathy by 1.5 times sensory threshold was 33.3% and 38.2% in C6 and C7 compressive radiculopathy. The diagnositc sensitivity by 2.5 times sensory threshold was 23.8% and 23.5% in C6 and C7 compressive radiculopathy. Whereas the diagnostic specificity of cervical radiculopathy by 1.5 times sensory threshold was 69.2% and 75.0% in C6 and C7 compressive radiculopathy. The diagnostic specificity of cervical radiculopathy by 2.5 times sensory threshold was 76.9% and 83.3% in C6 and C7 compressive radiculopathy. Conclusion: Although not statistically significant, DSEP using low stimulus intensity showed higher sensitivity to diagnose cervical radiculopathy than high stimulus intensity in C6 and C7 compressive radiculopathy.
Key Words: Dermatomal somatosensory evoked potentials, Cervical compressive radiculopathy, Stimulation intensity


ABOUT
ARTICLE CATEGORY

Browse all articles >

BROWSE ARTICLES
EDITORIAL POLICY
FOR CONTRIBUTORS
Editorial Office
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Korea University Ansan Hospital
123 Jeokgeum-ro, Danwon-gu, Ansan 15355, Korea
Tel: +82-31-412-5330    Fax: +82-31-412-4215    E-mail: editjend@gmail.com                

Copyright © 2024 by Korean Association of EMG Electrodiagnostic Medicine.

Developed in M2PI

Close layer
prev next