How has electrophysiology changed the management of cervical spondylotic myelopathy? 2008

Y L Lo
Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore. lo.yew.long@sgh.com.sg

Cervical spondylosis occurs universally, with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) as its most serious consequence. The electrical property of the spinal cord and its susceptibility to injury renders electrophysiology relevant to the management of CSM, as addressed in this review. Somatosensory-evoked potentials evaluate spinal cord integrity with regards to posterior column functions exclusively. Although motor-evoked potentials may be more sensitive than the former and may be utilized intraoperatively, they are susceptible to interference by inhalational anaesthetics. Electromyography may play a role in minimizing C5 root damage and spinal cord-evoked potentials can localize spinal conduction block during CSM surgery. Critically reviewing the available evidence, electrophysiology cannot be universally recommended as mandatory in the management of CSM at present. It may, however, play emergent, isolated roles in the diagnosis, follow-up and treatment of this common disorder.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D002574 Cervical Vertebrae The first seven VERTEBRAE of the SPINAL COLUMN, which correspond to the VERTEBRAE of the NECK. Cervical Spine,Cervical Spines,Spine, Cervical,Vertebrae, Cervical
D004594 Electrophysiology The study of the generation and behavior of electrical charges in living organisms particularly the nervous system and the effects of electricity on living organisms.
D005073 Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory The electric response evoked in the CEREBRAL CORTEX by stimulation along AFFERENT PATHWAYS from PERIPHERAL NERVES to CEREBRUM. Somatosensory Evoked Potentials,Evoked Potential, Somatosensory,Somatosensory Evoked Potential
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D013118 Spinal Cord Diseases Pathologic conditions which feature SPINAL CORD damage or dysfunction, including disorders involving the meninges and perimeningeal spaces surrounding the spinal cord. Traumatic injuries, vascular diseases, infections, and inflammatory/autoimmune processes may affect the spinal cord. Myelopathy,Spinal Cord Disorders,Myelopathies,Spinal Cord Disease,Spinal Cord Disorder
D013128 Spinal Osteophytosis Outgrowth of immature bony processes or bone spurs (OSTEOPHYTE) from the VERTEBRAE, reflecting the presence of degenerative disease and calcification. It commonly occurs in cervical and lumbar SPONDYLOSIS. Osteophytosis, Spinal,Osteophytoses, Spinal,Spinal Osteophytoses
D019054 Evoked Potentials, Motor The electrical response evoked in a muscle or motor nerve by electrical or magnetic stimulation. Common methods of stimulation are by transcranial electrical and TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION. It is often used for monitoring during neurosurgery. Motor Evoked Potentials,Evoked Potential, Motor,Motor Evoked Potential,Potential, Motor Evoked,Potentials, Motor Evoked

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