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01-03-2019 | Original Article

Is the triple stimulation technique a better quantification tool of motor dysfunction than motor evoked potentials in multiple sclerosis?

Authors: Xavier Giffroy, Dominique Dive, Jean-François Kaux, Nathalie Maes, Adelin Albert, Catherine Göbels, François Wang

Published in: Acta Neurologica Belgica | Issue 1/2019

Abstract

The triple stimulation technique (TST) was rarely used in multiple sclerosis (MS). This study aimed to compare TST and motor evoked potentials (MEP) for the quantification of motor dysfunction. Central motor conduction based on MEP (four limbs) and TST (upper limbs) was assessed in 28 MS patients with a median Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) of 4. EDSS, timed 25-foot walk (T25FW), grasping strength and motor components of the MS functional composite were evaluated. Regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between MEP, TST and clinical findings. TST was negatively correlated with EDSS (r = − 0.74, p < 0.0001) and to a lesser extent with T25FW (r = − 0.47, p < 0.05), and grasping strength (r = − 0.43, p < 0.05). A multiple regression analysis underlined the better correlation between clinical data and TST (R² = 0.56, p < 0.0005) than with MEP (0.03 < R² < 0.22, p > 0.05). This study evidenced the value of TST as a quantification tool of motor dysfunction. TST appeared to reflect a global disability since it was correlated not only to hand function but also to walking capacity.

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Title: Is the triple stimulation technique a better quantification tool of motor dysfunction than motor evoked potentials in multiple sclerosis?
Authors: Xavier Giffroy
Dominique Dive
Jean-François Kaux
Nathalie Maes
Adelin Albert
Catherine Göbels
François Wang
Publication date: 01-03-2019
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: Acta Neurologica Belgica / Issue 1/2019
Print ISSN: 0300-9009
Electronic ISSN: 2240-2993
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13760-018-1001-1

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Is the triple stimulation technique a better quantification tool of motor dysfunction than motor evoked potentials in multiple sclerosis?

Abstract

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