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Evidence for an abnormal cortical sensory processing in dystonia: Selective enhancement of lower limb P37‐N50 somatosensory evoked potential
Author(s) -
Tinazzi Michele,
Frasson Emma,
Polo Alberto,
Tezzon Frediano,
Bovi Paolo,
Deotto Luciano,
Mauguiere Francois,
Fiaschi Antonio,
Ferrari Giuseppe
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
movement disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.352
H-Index - 198
eISSN - 1531-8257
pISSN - 0885-3185
DOI - 10.1002/1531-8257(199905)14:3<473::aid-mds1014>3.0.co;2-l
Subject(s) - somatosensory evoked potential , somatosensory system , neuroscience , dystonia , sensory system , sensory processing , psychology , medicine , physical medicine and rehabilitation
We evaluated brain stem P30, contralateral frontal N37, and the vertex‐ipsilateral central P37, N50 somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) obtained in response to stimulation of the tibial nerve in 10 patients with idiopathic dystonia. Results were compared with those obtained in 10 healthy subjects matched for age and sex. The amplitude of the brain stem P30 potential and of the contralateral frontal N37 response in dystonic patients was not significantly different from that recorded in normal subjects. The vertex‐ipsilateral central P37‐N50 complex, which is thought to originate in the pre‐rolandic cortex, was significantly enhanced in patients compared with the control group. These results suggest the enhancement of the vertex‐ipsilateral central P37‐N50 complex might reflect an abnormal response to somatosensory inputs of a precentral cortex which is excessively activated because of a disorder of the basal ganglia. Such inefficient sensory processing in motor areas might contribute to motor impairment in dystonia.