Electromyography detects mechanically-induced suprasegmental spinal motor tract injury: review of decompression at spinal cord level.
OBJECTIVE
Herein, we report use of electromyography (EMG) to anticipate corticospinal conduction block, as defined by muscle-derived transcranial electrical motor evoked potential (TCE MEP) loss, during extradural spinal cord decompression.


METHODS
One hundred and eighty-four patients underwent cervical (173) or thoracic (11) decompression. The same derivations were recorded for EMG and TCE MEP neuromonitoring. When highly repetitive, complex, and prolonged EMG discharges were identified in myotomes below the operated level (severe suprasegmentally-generated EMG discharges=severe SEDs), a report of possible spinal cord impact was made and a TCE MEP obtained. TCE MEP loss (with or without antecedent SEDs) was defined as >90% amplitude reduction compared to baseline recordings.


RESULTS
Severe SEDs, seen in 15 cases, anticipated TCE MEP loss in 7/15. In 13/15 severe SED cases, manipulations near dura were the proximate cause. Interventions after TCE MEP loss included changed instrumentation, re-positioning, increased blood pressure, wake-up test, and surgical pause.


CONCLUSIONS
SEDs can be identified during extradural spinal cord decompression. Severe SED occurrence is associated with a approximately 50% risk of subsequent corticospinal conduction block.


CONCLUSIONS
Although SED occurrence does not provide specific information for lesions of the fast neurons of the corticospinal tract, SED surveillance during decompression at spinal cord level can supplement TCE MEP recording.
Skinner
Stanley A
SA
Neurophysiology Department, Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Piper Building, 800 E 28th Street, Mail Route 39304, Minneapolis, MN 55407, USA. drskinnermd@yahoo.com
Transfeldt
Ensor E
EE
Mehbod
Amir A
AA
Mullan
John C
JC
Perra
Joseph H
JH
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000503:physiopathology; D019299:Decompression, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D004576:Electromyography / Q000379:methods*; D019054:Evoked Potentials, Motor / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009431:Neural Conduction / Q000502:physiology; D011712:Pyramidal Tracts / Q000503:physiopathology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*; D055815:Young Adult