Utility of Stimulated Single Fiber Electromyography (SSF EMG) in detecting peripheral neuropathy in Multiple Sclerosis

[摘要] Background: Concomitant axonal damage in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) disorders are not uncommon. Objective: Is to spot this finding so early, in-direction for better management of the disease process. Methods: Seventeen patients (Group1) with mildly disabled definite MS according to McDonald criteria and 17 subjects (Group2) serving as controls were included in this study. We performed clinical examination and scoring via the Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and electrophysiological studies of peripheral nerves via conventional Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) together with stimulated Single Fiber Electromyography (SSF EMG). Results: A high statistically significant evidence of peripheral neuropathy was detected by SSF EMG (82.35%) in relation to NCS (23.82%) among our MS patients. Clinical evaluation via EDSS scores was correlated with the electrophysiological abnormalities with much preponderance to SSF EMG than conventional NCS. Age and disease duration were not correlated with the presence of neuropathic changes. Conclusion: Our work revealed alarming verifications of early peripheral polyneuropathy among MS patients unmasked mostly by SSF EMG when compared to conventional NCS. These results should have an impact in the management of such a disease. [Egypt J Neurol Psychiat Neurosurg.  2011; 48(1): 49-55]

[学科分类] 精神健康和精神病学