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Sphincter electromyography and multiple system atrophy
Author(s) -
Nahm Frederick,
Freeman Roy
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
muscle and nerve
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.025
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1097-4598
pISSN - 0148-639X
DOI - 10.1002/mus.10254
Subject(s) - atrophy , electromyography , reinnervation , motor unit , medicine , muscle atrophy , degenerative disease , spinal muscular atrophy , spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy , sphincter , central nervous system disease , parkinson's disease , external anal sphincter , physical medicine and rehabilitation , neuroscience , pathology , disease , psychology , anatomy , surgery , anal canal , rectum , androgen receptor , prostate cancer , cancer
Abstract Electromyographic studies of the sphincter in patients with multiple system atrophy have shown increased duration and polyphasia of motor unit potentials. These electrophysiological markers have been used to argue for the selective degeneration of sacral motor neurons in Onuf's nucleus in patients with multiple system atrophy. Studies comparing sphincter electromyographic changes in patients with multiple system atrophy and Parkinson's disease have shown significant differences between these two patient populations. Despite the controversy surrounding this claim, recent studies using quantitative electromyographic techniques support the view that reinnervation of the anal sphincter muscles may be a useful diagnostic marker for distinguishing multiple system atrophy from Parkinson's disease. A critical review of these data is needed to assess the validity and reliability of electromyographic changes in multiple system atrophy. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Muscle Nerve 28: 18–26, 2003