Corticospinal tract dysfunction and development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis following electrical injury

Muscle Nerve. 2010 Aug;42(2):288-92. doi: 10.1002/mus.21681.

Abstract

The causal relationship between electrical injury and development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) remains controversial. We describe the case of a 25-year-old man who developed ALS after a severe electrical injury. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated hyperintensities involving the corticospinal tract. Functional testing with transcranial magnetic stimulation established that the motor cortex was relatively inexcitable. In addition, there were features of denervation on electromyography and muscle biopsy that supported concomitant lower motor neuron findings and the diagnosis of ALS.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / etiology*
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / pathology
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / physiopathology*
  • Brain / pathology
  • Electric Injuries / complications*
  • Electric Injuries / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Motor Neurons / pathology
  • Motor Neurons / physiology
  • Pyramidal Tracts / pathology
  • Pyramidal Tracts / physiopathology*