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Open Access 01-12-2024 | Motor Evoked Potential | Case report

Unilateral abnormality of initial motor-evoked potential in the upper limb detected during lumbar spine surgery: a case report

Authors: Sirima Phoowanakulchai, Hironobu Hayashi, Ayako Oi, Yasuhiro Takeshima, Tsunenori Takatani, Masahiko Kawaguchi

Published in: JA Clinical Reports | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

Background

We present a case with abnormal findings of initial motor-evoked potential (MEP) in the left upper limb after prone positioning during lumbar spine surgery.

Case presentation

A 71-year-old man with bilateral lower extremity numbness without a history of preexisting motor weakness underwent L3–5 spinal fenestration. Initial MEP monitoring after prone positioning revealed markedly prolonged latency and lower amplitude in the left abductor pollicis brevis (APB). Because the left upper limb somatosensory-evoked potentials had normal values, a position-related impending peripheral nerve injury located between the neck and the forearm was excluded. Postoperative examination revealed that MEP abnormality in the left APB was caused by carpal tunnel syndrome.

Conclusions

Abnormal initial MEP from the upper limb was unexpectedly detected after prone positioning during lumbar spine surgery. The condition was caused by preexisting carpal tunnel syndrome.

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Title: Unilateral abnormality of initial motor-evoked potential in the upper limb detected during lumbar spine surgery: a case report
Authors: Sirima Phoowanakulchai
Hironobu Hayashi
Ayako Oi
Yasuhiro Takeshima
Tsunenori Takatani
Masahiko Kawaguchi
Publication date: 01-12-2024
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Motor Evoked Potential
Motor Evoked Potential
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Nerve Injury
Evoked Potential
Evoked Potential
Published in: JA Clinical Reports / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 2363-9024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40981-024-00708-1

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Springer Medicine

Unilateral abnormality of initial motor-evoked potential in the upper limb detected during lumbar spine surgery: a case report

Abstract

Background

Case presentation

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Case presentation

Conclusions

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In-reply to the comment by Poling et al