Translumbar and transsacral motor-evoked potentials: a novel test for spino-anorectal neuropathy in spinal cord injury.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes anorectal problems, whose pathophysiology remains poorly characterized. A comprehensive method of evaluating spino-anorectal function is lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the neuropathophysiology of bowel dysfunction in SCI by evaluating motor-evoked potentials (MEP) of anus and rectum following transspinal magnetic stimulation and anorectal physiology.

Methods

Translumbar and transsacral magnetic stimulations, anorectal manometry, and pudendal nerve terminal motor latency (PNTML) were performed in 39 subjects with SCI and anorectal problems and in 14 healthy controls, and data were compared. MEPs were recorded with an anorectal probe containing bipolar ring electrodes.

Results

The MEPs were significantly prol

SUBMITTER: Tantiphlachiva K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3883059 | biostudies-literature | 2011 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature