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Tankisi H, Bostock H, Tan SV, Howells J, Ng K, Z'Graggen WJ. Muscle excitability testing. Clin Neurophysiol 2024; 164:1-18. [PMID: 38805900 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2024.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Conventional electrophysiological methods, i.e. nerve conduction studies and electromyography are suitable methods for the diagnosis of neuromuscular disorders, however, they provide limited information about muscle fibre membrane properties and underlying disease mechanisms. Muscle excitability testing is a technique that provides in vivo information about muscle fibre membrane properties such as membrane potential and ion channel function. Since the 1960s, various methodologies have been suggested to examine muscle membrane properties but technical difficulties have limited its use. In 2009, an automated, fast and simple application, the so-called multi-fibre muscle velocity recovery cycles (MVRC) has accelerated the use of muscle excitability testing. Later, frequency ramp and repetitive stimulation protocols have been developed. Though this method has been used mainly in research for revealing disease mechanisms across a broad range of neuromuscular disorders, it may have additional diagnostic uses; value has been shown particularly in muscle channelopathies. This review will provide a description of the state-of-the art of methodological and clinical studies for muscle excitability testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Tankisi
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Institute of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - H Bostock
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, WC1N 3BG London, United Kingdom
| | - S V Tan
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, WC1N 3BG London, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Guys and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - J Howells
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - K Ng
- Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, Australia; University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - W J Z'Graggen
- Departments Neurology and Neurosurgery, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Meldgaard M, Kristensen RS, Z'Graggen WJ, Tan SV, Søndergaard K, Qerama E, Andersen H, Fuglsang-Frederiksen A, Tankisi H. Muscle velocity recovery cycles in myopathy. Clin Neurophysiol 2023; 151:41-49. [PMID: 37148747 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2023.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand the pathophysiology of myopathies by using muscle velocity recovery cycles (MVRC) and frequency ramp (RAMP) methodologies. METHODS 42 patients with quantitative electromyography (qEMG) and biopsy or genetic verified myopathy and 42 healthy controls were examined with qEMG, MVRC and RAMP, all recorded from the anterior tibial muscle. RESULTS There were significant differences in the motor unit potential (MUP) duration, the early and late supernormalities of the MVRC and the RAMP latencies in myopathy patients compared to controls (p < 0.05 apart from muscle relatively refractory period (MRRP)). When dividing into subgroups, the above-mentioned changes in MVRC and RAMP parameters were increased for the patients with non-inflammatory myopathy, while there were no significant changes in the group of patients with inflammatory myopathy. CONCLUSIONS The MVRC and RAMP parameters can discriminate between healthy controls and myopathy patients, more significantly for non-inflammatory myopathy. MVRC differences with normal MRRP in myopathy differs from other conditions with membrane depolarisation. SIGNIFICANCE MVCR and RAMP may have a potential in understanding disease pathophysiology in myopathies. The pathogenesis in non-inflammatory myopathy does not seem to be caused by a depolarisation of the resting membrane potential but rather by the change in sodium channels of the muscle membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Meldgaard
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - R S Kristensen
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - W J Z'Graggen
- Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - S V Tan
- Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Guys and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - K Søndergaard
- Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - E Qerama
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Institute of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - H Andersen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Neurology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - A Fuglsang-Frederiksen
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Institute of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - H Tankisi
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Institute of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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Zeppelin Z, Vaeggemose M, Witt A, Hvid LG, Tankisi H. Exploring the peripheral mechanisms of lower limb immobilisation on muscle function using novel electrophysiological methods. Clin Neurophysiol 2023; 151:18-27. [PMID: 37141780 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2023.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the effects of short-term immobilisation and subsequent retraining on peripheral nervous system (PNS) measures using two novel electrophysiological methods, muscle velocity recovery cycles (MVRC) and MScanFit motor unit number estimation (MUNE) alongside lower limb muscle strength, muscle imaging and walking capacity. METHODS Twelve healthy participants underwent 1-week of ankle immobilisation and 2-weeks of retraining. Assessments before and after immobilisation, and after retraining, included MVRC [muscle membrane properties; muscle relative refractory period (MRRP), early and late supernormality], MScanFit, MRI-scans [muscle contractile cross-sectional area (cCSA)], isokinetic dynamometry [dorsal and plantar flexor muscle strength], and 2-minute maximal walk test [physical function]. RESULTS After immobilisation, compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude reduced (-1.35[-2.00;-0.69]mV); mean change [95%CI]) alongside reductions in plantar (but not dorsal) flexor muscle cCSA (-124[-246;3]mm2), dorsal flexor muscle strength (isometric -0.06[-0.10;-0.02]Nm/kg, dynamicslow -0.08[-0.11;-0.04]Nm/kg, dynamicfast no changes), plantar flexor muscle strength (isometric -0.20[-0.30;-0.10]Nm/kg, dynamicslow -0.19[-0.28;-0.09]Nm/kg, dynamicfast -0.12[-0.19;-0.05]Nm/kg) and walking capacity (-31[-39;-23]m). After retraining, all immobilisation-affected parameters returned to baseline levels. In contrast, neither MScanFit nor MVRC were affected apart from slightly prolonged MRRP in gastrocnemius. CONCLUSIONS PNS do not contribute to the changes observed in muscle strength and walking capacity. SIGNIFICANCE Further studies should include both corticospinal and peripheral mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zennia Zeppelin
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Michael Vaeggemose
- MR Research Centre, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Agnes Witt
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Lars G Hvid
- Exercise Biology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Denmark; The Danish MS Hospitals, Ry and Haslev, Denmark
| | - Hatice Tankisi
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark; Institute of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark.
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Ni L, Yao Z, Zhao Y, Zhang T, Wang J, Li S, Chen Z. Electrical stimulation therapy for peripheral nerve injury. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1081458. [PMID: 36908597 PMCID: PMC9998520 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1081458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injury is common and frequently occurs in extremity trauma patients. The motor and sensory impairment caused by the injury will affect patients' daily life and social work. Surgical therapeutic approaches don't assure functional recovery, which may lead to neuronal atrophy and hinder accelerated regeneration. Rehabilitation is a necessary stage for patients to recover better. A meaningful role in non-pharmacological intervention is played by rehabilitation, through individualized electrical stimulation therapy. Clinical studies have shown that electrical stimulation enhances axon growth during nerve repair and accelerates sensorimotor recovery. According to different effects and parameters, electrical stimulation can be divided into neuromuscular, transcutaneous, and functional electrical stimulation. The therapeutic mechanism of electrical stimulation may be to reduce muscle atrophy and promote muscle reinnervation by increasing the expression of structural protective proteins and neurotrophic factors. Meanwhile, it can modulate sensory feedback and reduce neuralgia by inhibiting the descending pathway. However, there are not many summary clinical application parameters of electrical stimulation, and the long-term effectiveness and safety also need to be further explored. This article aims to explore application methodologies for effective electrical stimulation in the rehabilitation of peripheral nerve injury, with simultaneous consideration for fundamental principles of electrical stimulation and the latest technology. The highlight of this paper is to identify the most appropriate stimulation parameters (frequency, intensity, duration) to achieve efficacious electrical stimulation in the rehabilitation of peripheral nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingmei Ni
- Infection Prevention and Control Department, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhao Yao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yifan Zhao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tianfang Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jie Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Siyue Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zuobing Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Serum electrolyte concentrations and skeletal muscle excitability in vivo. Clin Neurophysiol 2021; 135:13-21. [PMID: 35007839 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2021.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Multi-fibre muscle velocity recovery cycle (MVRC) assessment is a well-tolerated method of evaluating sarcolemmal excitability in vivo that shows promise as a research tool and biomarker. MVRC parameters correlate with venous electrolyte concentrations in myopathies. We sought to determine the nature of any such relationships in individuals without muscle disease. METHODS Tibialis anterior MVRCs were recorded and electrolyte concentrations measured from two groups of healthy volunteers. After studying a single measure cohort (n = 65, one recording/person), we studied a repeated measures cohort (n = 4, eight recordings/person) to better study intra-individual relationships using repeated measures correlation (rmcorr). RESULTS In the single measure cohort, no significant correlations were present between MVRC parameters and electrolyte levels after accounting for age. In the repeated measures cohort, the relative refractory period (P < 0.01) and stimulus frequency measures (P < 0.01) correlated positively with potassium levels. Multiple late supernormality group measures correlated negatively with bicarbonate levels (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS MVRC measures that vary with the resting muscle membrane potential correlate with venous potassium concentrations, as in myopathies. Late supernormality measures correlate with bicarbonate levels. SIGNIFICANCE Determination of serum electrolyte levels may inform the interpretation of MVRC study results if variation in concentrations is anticipated to be significant.
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The role of potassium in muscle membrane dysfunction in end-stage renal disease. Clin Neurophysiol 2021; 132:3125-3135. [PMID: 34740043 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2021.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Uremic myopathy is a condition seen in end-stage renal disease (ESRD), characterized by muscle weakness and muscle fatigue, in which the pathophysiology is uncertain. The aim of this study was to assess the role of abnormal serum constituents in ESRD patients by relating them to the excitability properties of the tibialis anterior muscle, at rest and during electrically induced muscle activation, by recording muscle velocity recovery cycles (MVRC) and frequency ramp responses. METHODS Eighteen ESRD patients undergoing hemodialysis were evaluated by blood sample, MVRC, and frequency ramp (before and near the end of dialysis treatment), quantitative electromyography, and nerve conduction studies. Patients were compared to 24 control subjects. RESULTS In patients, muscle relative refractory period, early supernormality, late supernormality after 5 conditioning stimuli, and latency of the last of 15 and 30 frequency ramp pulses were strongly associated with potassium levels (p < 0.01), showing depolarization before and normalization in the end of hemodialysis. CONCLUSIONS In ESRD patients, the muscle membrane is depolarized, mainly due to hyperkalemia. SIGNIFICANCE Since normal muscle fatigue has been attributed to potassium-induced depolarization, it seems likely that this mechanism is also a major cause of the exaggerated muscle fatigue and weakness in ESRD patients.
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Hochstrasser A, Rodriguez B, Söll N, Bostock H, Z'Graggen WJ. Effect of intermittent high-frequency stimulation on muscle velocity recovery cycle recordings. J Neurophysiol 2021; 126:736-742. [PMID: 34288792 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00213.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The technique of multifiber muscle velocity recovery cycle recordings was developed as a diagnostic tool to assess muscle membrane potential changes and ion channel function in vivo. This study was undertaken to assess the impact of intermittent high-frequency stimulation on muscle velocity recovery cycle components and to study whether the changes can be modified by endurance training. We recorded muscle velocity recovery cycles with 1 and 2 conditioning stimuli in the left tibialis anterior muscle in 15 healthy subjects during intermittent 37-Hz stimulation and analyzed its effects on the different phases of supernormality. Recordings were conducted before and after 2-wk endurance training. Training effect was assessed by measuring the difference in endurance time, peak force, and limb circumference. Muscle velocity recovery cycle recordings during intermittent high-frequency stimulation were successfully recorded in 12 subjects. Supernormality for interstimulus intervals shorter than 15 ms (early supernormality) was maximally reduced at the beginning of repetitive stimulation and recovered during stimulation. Supernormality for interstimulus intervals between 50 and 150 ms (late supernormality) showed a delayed decrease and stayed significantly reduced after high-frequency stimulation. Training had no significant effect on any of the measured parameters, but we found that training induced changes in peak force correlated positively with baseline changes of early supernormality. Our results support the hypothesis that early supernormality represents membrane potential, which depolarizes in the beginning of high-frequency stimulation. Late supernormality probably reflects transverse tubular function and shows progressive changes during high-frequency stimulation with delayed normalization.NEW & NOTEWORTHY A conditioning impulse in human muscle fibers induces a prolonged phase of increased velocity (also called supernormality) with two phases related to an early and late afterpotential. We investigated the effects of intermittent 37-Hz stimulation on muscle fiber supernormality and found that the early and late phases of supernormality changed differently, and that the late phase may reflect the ionic interactions responsible for the counter-regulation of muscle fatigue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Hochstrasser
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Belén Rodriguez
- Department of Neurosurgery, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Söll
- Department of Neurosurgery, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hugh Bostock
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Werner J Z'Graggen
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Neurosurgery, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Tankisi H. Critical illness myopathy and polyneuropathy in Covid-19: Is it a distinct entity? Clin Neurophysiol 2021; 132:1716-1717. [PMID: 33934968 PMCID: PMC8055492 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2021.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- H Tankisi
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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Tankisi A, Pedersen TH, Bostock H, Z'Graggen WJ, Larsen LH, Meldgaard M, Elkmann T, Tankisi H. Early detection of evolving critical illness myopathy with muscle velocity recovery cycles. Clin Neurophysiol 2021; 132:1347-1357. [PMID: 33676846 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2021.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the sensitivity of muscle velocity recovery cycles (MVRCs) for detecting altered membrane properties in critically ill patients, and to compare this to conventional nerve conduction studies (NCS) and quantitative electromyography (qEMG). METHODS Twenty-four patients with intensive care unit acquired weakness (ICUAW) and 34 healthy subjects were prospectively recruited. In addition to NCS (median, ulnar, peroneal, tibial and sural nerves) and qEMG (biceps brachii, vastus medialis and anterior tibial muscles), MVRCs with frequency ramp were recorded from anterior tibial muscle. RESULTS MVRC and frequency ramp parameters showed abnormal muscle fiber membrane properties with up to 100% sensitivity and specificity. qEMG showed myopathy in 15 patients (63%) while polyneuropathy was seen in 3 (13%). Decreased compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude (up to 58%) and absent F-waves (up to 75%) were frequent, but long duration CMAPs were only seen in one patient with severe myopathy. CONCLUSIONS Altered muscle fiber membrane properties can be detected in patients with ICUAW not yet fulfilling diagnostic criteria for critical illness myopathy (CIM). MVRCs may therefore serve as a tool for early detection of evolving CIM. SIGNIFICANCE CIM is often under-recognized by intensivists, and large-scale longitudinal studies are needed to determine its incidence and pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Tankisi
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - T H Pedersen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - H Bostock
- Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square House, London, United Kingdom
| | - W J Z'Graggen
- Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - L H Larsen
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - M Meldgaard
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - T Elkmann
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - H Tankisi
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Institute of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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Tankisi H. Still much to explore in nerve excitability testing despite 20 years of experience. Clin Neurophysiol 2020; 131:2734-2735. [PMID: 33012638 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2020.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- H Tankisi
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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Witt A, Fuglsang-Frederiksen A, Finnerup N, Kasch H, Tankisi H. Detecting peripheral motor nervous system involvement in chronic spinal cord injury using two novel methods: MScanFit MUNE and muscle velocity recovery cycles. Clin Neurophysiol 2020; 131:2383-2392. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2020.06.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Kristensen AG, Khan KS, Bostock H, Khan BS, Gylfadottir S, Andersen H, Finnerup NB, Jensen TS, Tankisi H. MScanFit motor unit number estimation and muscle velocity recovery cycle recordings in diabetic polyneuropathy. Clin Neurophysiol 2020; 131:2591-2599. [PMID: 32927215 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2020.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Motor Unit Number Estimation (MUNE) methods may be valuable in tracking motor unit loss in diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN). Muscle Velocity Recovery Cycles (MVRCs) provide information about muscle membrane properties. This study aimed to examine the utility of the MScanFit MUNE in detecting motor unit loss and to test whether the MVRCs could improve understanding of DPN pathophysiology. METHODS Seventy-nine type-2 diabetic patients were compared to 32 control subjects. All participants were examined with MScanFit MUNE and MVRCs in anterior tibial muscle. Lower limb nerve conduction studies (NCS) in peroneal, tibial and sural nerves were applied to diagnose large fiber neuropathy. RESULTS NCS confirmed DPN for 47 patients (DPN + ), with 32 not showing DPN (DPN-). MScanFit showed significantly decreased MUNE values and increased motor unit sizes, when comparing DPN + patients with controls (MUNE = 71.3 ± 4.7 vs 122.7 ± 3.8), and also when comparing DPN- patients (MUNE = 103.2 ± 5.1) with controls. MVRCs did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS MScanFit is more sensitive in showing motor unit loss than NCS in type-2 diabetic patients, whereas MVRCs do not provide additional information. SIGNIFICANCE The MScanFit results suggest that motor changes are seen as early as sensory, and the role of axonal membrane properties in DPN pathophysiology should be revisited.
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Affiliation(s)
- A G Kristensen
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark; Danish Pain Research Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - K S Khan
- Danish Pain Research Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark; Department of Neurology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | - H Bostock
- Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, UK
| | - B S Khan
- Department of Neurology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | - S Gylfadottir
- Danish Pain Research Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark; Department of Neurology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | - H Andersen
- Department of Neurology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | - N B Finnerup
- Danish Pain Research Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark; Department of Neurology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | - T S Jensen
- Danish Pain Research Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark; Department of Neurology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | - H Tankisi
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark.
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Tankisi H. Muscle velocity recovery cycles: An evolving technique for assessing muscle fiber membrane properties. Clin Neurophysiol 2019; 130:2268-2269. [PMID: 31694794 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2019.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- H Tankisi
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 165, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark.
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