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Semin Neurol 2002; 22(2): 197-204
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-36543
Copyright © 2002 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Electrophysiological Evaluation of Root and Spinal Cord Disease

Michael J. Aminoff
  • Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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Publication History

Publication Date:
13 January 2003 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The electrophysiological evaluation of root or spinal cord disease is complementary to neuroimaging studies, providing information about functional rather than anatomical integrity and information that is important for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. The electrophysiological findings help to localize a lesion but are not pathognomonic of specific diseases. The findings may also provide insight into underlying physiological mechanisms that have been disrupted. A number of different electrophysiological techniques are now in widespread use. Each of these techniques provides different information and thus has distinct utility and limitations. The optimal evaluation of patients with root or spinal cord disease requires an understanding of how these techniques complement each other and depends on the individual clinical problem for which electrophysiological assessment is requested.

KEYWORDS

Myelopathy - radiculopathy - electromyography - evoked potentials - late responses

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