Polyphasic motor unit action potentials in early radiculopathy: their presence and ephaptic transmission as an hypothesis.
Various investigators have reported the presence of polyphasic motor unit potentials in radiculopathy. Some of these potentials have been shown to occur the first few weeks after the onset of symptoms, before reinnervation has begun. We hypothesize that the polyphasic motor unit potential described in acute nerve root compression can be the result of ephaptic transmission between adjacent nerve axons in the region of the inflamed root. The historical, clinical and experimental evidence supporting this hypothesis is presented.
Colachis
S C
SC
Department of Physical Medicine, Ohio State University, College of Medicine, Columbus.
Pease
W S
WS
Johnson
E W
EW
D000200:Action Potentials / Q000502:physiology*; D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011999:Recruitment, Neurophysiological; D013126:Spinal Nerve Roots; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology*