ISSN:
1126-5442
Keywords:
Key words Imagery
;
Locked-in syndrome
;
Transcranial magnetic stimulation
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Motor evoked potentials (MEPs) to transcranial magnetic stimulation were evaluated in a case of locked-in syndrome due to a large pontine infarction. In this patient, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and somatosensory evoked potentials demonstrated a tegmental involvement. One month after the attack, no MEP could be recorded from the right abductor digiti minimi (ADM) or either tibialis anterior muscle. On the contrary, MEPs were obtained from the left ADM, although with a prolonged latency and a reduced amplitude. When the patient was requested to think about the abduction of her paralyzed left little finger, the latency and the elicitability of these responses improved as compared with the relaxed condition. These severe MEP alterations correctly predicted a poor recovery of motor function in the chronic stage. However, although the tegmental involvement raises the question of an insufficient cortical motor arousal, preserved motor imagery suggested a normal cortical motor area activation.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s100720050008
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