RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Motor evoked potentials in the preoperative and postoperative assessment of normal pressure hydrocephalus.
JF Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry
JO J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP 517
OP 521
DO 10.1136/jnnp.62.5.517
VO 62
IS 5
A1 M Zaaroor
A1 N Bleich
A1 A Chistyakov
A1 H Pratt
A1 M Feinsod
YR 1997
UL http://jnnp.bmj.com/content/62/5/517.abstract
AB Motor evoked potentials and central motor conduction time (CMCT) were examined from both upper and lower limbs in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus to find a predictor for the success of shunting procedures. The hypotheses that walking disturbances are due to pyramidal tract compression as well as the possibility that the upper limbs are affected subclinically in these patients were also studied. The study suggests that the walking disturbances are not the result of a major pyramidal tract dysfunction but probably involve the sensorimotor integration leading to normal gait. Furthermore, CMCT measured with electromagnetic motor stimulation can help in selecting the patients that will benefit from shunting. The study does not provide electrophysiological evidence of upper limb involvement in normal pressure hydrocephalus.