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PubMed · 10828652

Nerve conduction studies in multiple system atrophy.

M Abele·J B Schulz·K Bürk·H Topka·J Dichgans·T Klockgether
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Abstract

To study the frequency and severity of peripheral neuropathy in multiple system atrophy (MSA), we performed nerve conduction studies in 42 MSA patients suffering from either cerebellar MSA (MSA-C) or parkinsonian MSA (MSA-P). Abnormal nerve conduction was present in 24% of the patients. Abnormalities were significantly more frequent in MSA-P (43%) compared to MSA-C (14%). Motor nerve conduction velocities were reduced in 4% of the MSA-C and in 7% of the MSA-P patients. Abnormal compound muscle action potentials were more frequent in MSA-P (29% versus 7% in MSA-C) pointing to a more pronounced loss of motor axons in this subgroup. Sensory nerve conduction velocities were abnormal in 4% of the MSA-C and 14% of the MSA-P patients, and mean sensory nerve action potentials were normal in all MSA-C and reduced in 7% of the MSA-P patients. The data provide evidence that the peripheral nervous system is differentially affected in MSA-C and MSA-P.

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Action PotentialsAdultAgedFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedMultiple System AtrophyMusclesNeural ConductionNeurons, AfferentTime FactorsJournal Article

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M Abele, J B Schulz, K Bürk, H Topka, J Dichgans, T Klockgether. 2000. Nerve conduction studies in multiple system atrophy.. https://doi.org/10.1159/000008179

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