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Involvement of peripheral sensory fibers in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Electro‐physiological study of 64 cases
Author(s) -
Mondelli Mauro,
Rossi Alessandro,
Passero Stefano,
Guazzi Gian Carlo
Publication year - 1993
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.880160208
Subject(s) - amyotrophic lateral sclerosis , electrophysiology , sensory system , peripheral , sural nerve , sensory nerve , nerve conduction velocity , medicine , ulnar nerve , anatomy , peripheral nervous system , neuroscience , central nervous system , psychology , elbow , disease
We report electrophysiological findings of conduction along peripheral sensory fibers in 64 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Distribution of the values of action potential amplitudes and conduction velocities of peripheral afferent fibers were significantly lower than in normal age‐matched controls. Sensory action potential amplitudes (SAPas) were more affected than sensory conduction velocities (SCVs). When single patients were considered, SAPas were slightly but significantly reduced in 22% of the cases (median nerve 17%, ulnar nerve 11%, and sural nerve 22%). A parallel decrease in SCVs and MCVs in 14 patients in whom the study was repeated over a period of time was also found. All these electrophysiological findings are due to progressive neuronopathy of peripheral sensory fibers. A pathogenetic mechanism is proposed. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.