Turkish Neurosurgery 2010 , Vol 20 , Num 1
Electrophysiological Findings in Patients with Adult Tethered Cord Syndrome
Oguzhan OZ1, Umit Hidir ULAS2, Bulent DUZ3, Mehmet YUCEL4, Zeki ODABASI5
1,2,4,5Gülhane Military Medical Academy, Department of Neurology, Ankara, Turkey
3Gülhane Military Medical Academy, Department of Neurosurgery, Ankara, Turkey
AIM: This study was planned for detailed evaluation of electrophysiological findings in patients with adult TCS.

MATERIAL and METHODS: Patients were retrospectively assessed for clinical, radiological and electrophysiological data between 1999 and 2008. Tibial somatosensorial evoked potentials, needle electromyography, nerve conduction studies and late responses (H reflex and F response) were studied in thirty (1 female, 29 males) TCS patients diagnosed by lumbar magnetic resonance imaging.

RESULTS: Tibial somato-sensorial evoked potentials cortical response latency was abnormal in 18 (60%) patients. Needle electromyography revealed chronic neurogenic involvement in 13 (43.3%) patients. In nerve conduction studies, motor unit action potential amplitudes were reduced in 5 (16.6%) patients and H reflexes were abnormal in 13 (43.3%) patients.

CONCLUSION: Different electrophysiological abnormalities may be seen in patients with adult TCS. Our results indicated that tibial SEP abnormalities are most sensitive electrophysiological finding in patients with adult TCS. Patients with TCS should undergo electrophysiological examinations whether they have subjective or objective complaints. These examinations should evaluate different systems and treatment planning should be done with the data obtained. Keywords : Tethered cord syndrome, Somato-sensorial evoked potentials, Needle electromyography, Nerve conduction study, Late responses, Electrophysiology

Corresponding author : Oguzhan Oz, oz_oguzhan@yahoo.com