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Holzapfel K, Bayas A, Naumann M, Ghosh T, Steuerwald V, Allweyer M, Kirschke JS, Behrens L. Mirror movements in multiple sclerosis -a clinical, electrophysiological, and imaging study. BMC Neurol 2024; 24:326. [PMID: 39242510 PMCID: PMC11378473 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-024-03828-4] [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: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mirror movements (MM) are commonly caused by a defect of interhemispheric pathways also affected in multiple sclerosis (MS), particularly the corpus callosum. We investigated the prevalence of MM in MS in relation to functional and morphological callosal fiber integrity by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as fatigue. METHODS In 21 patients with relapsing-remitting MS and 19 healthy controls, MM were assessed and graded (Woods and Teuber scale: MM 1-4) using a bedside test. Fatigue was evaluated using the Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions (FSMC) questionnaire. TMS measured ipsilateral silent period latency and duration. MRI assessed callosal atrophy by measuring the normalized corpus callosum area (nCCA), corpus callosum index (CCI), and lesion volume. RESULTS MS patients had significantly more often and pronounced MM compared to healthy controls (p = 0.0002) and nCCA was significantly lower (p = 0.045) in MRI studies. Patients with higher MM scores (MM > 1 vs. MM 0/1) showed significantly more fatigue (higher FSMC sum score, p = 0.04, motor score, p = 0.01). In TMS and MRI studies, no significant differences were found between patients with MM 0/1 and those with MM > 1 (ipsilateral silent period measurements, CCA, CCI and lesion volume). CONCLUSIONS MM are common in MS and can easily be detected through bedside testing. As MM are associated with fatigue, they might indicate fatigue in MS. It is possible that other cerebral structures, in addition to the corpus callosum, may contribute to the origin of MM in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Korbinian Holzapfel
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Medical Faculty, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany.
| | - Antonios Bayas
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Medical Faculty, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Markus Naumann
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Medical Faculty, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Tanupriya Ghosh
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Medical Faculty, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Verena Steuerwald
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Medical Faculty, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Martin Allweyer
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Medical Faculty, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Jan S Kirschke
- Department of Neuroradiology, Faculty of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Lars Behrens
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Medical Faculty, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
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Chaves AR, Tremblay S, Pilutti L, Ploughman M. Lowered ratio of corticospinal excitation to inhibition predicts greater disability, poorer motor and cognitive function in multiple sclerosis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e35834. [PMID: 39170378 PMCID: PMC11337054 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Investigate excitatory-inhibitory (E/I) (im)balance using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and determine its validity as a neurophysiological biomarker of disability. Methods Participants with MS (n = 83) underwent TMS, cognitive, and motor function assessments. TMS-induced motor evoked potential amplitudes (excitability) and cortical silent periods (inhibition) were assessed bilaterally through recruitment curves. The E/I ratio was calculated as the ratio of excitation to inhibition. Results Participants with greater disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale, EDSS≥3) exhibited lower excitability and increased inhibition compared to those with lower disability (EDSS<3). This resulted in lower E/I ratios in the higher disability group. Individuals with higher disability presented with asymmetrical E/I ratios between brain hemispheres, a pattern not present in the group with lower disability. In regression analyses controlling for demographics, lowered TMS-probed E/I ratio predicted variance in disability (R2 = 0.37, p < 0.001), upper extremity function (R2 = 0.35, p < 0.001), walking speed (R2 = 0.22, p = 0.005), and cognitive performance (R2 = 0.25, p = 0.007). Receiver Operating Characteristic curve analysis confirmed 'excellent' discriminative ability of the E/I ratio in distinguishing high and low disability. Finally, excitation superiorly correlated with the E/I ratio than overall inhibition in both hemispheres (p ≤ 0.01). Conclusion The E/I ratio is a potential neurophysiological biomarker of disability level in MS, especially when assessed in the hemisphere corresponding to the weaker body side. Interventions aimed at increasing cortical excitation or reducing inhibition may restore E/I balance potentially stalling progression or improving function in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur R. Chaves
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Neuromodulation Research Clinic, The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research, ON, Canada
- Département de Psychoéducation et de Psychologie, Université Du Québec en Outaouais, QC, Canada
| | - Sara Tremblay
- Neuromodulation Research Clinic, The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research, ON, Canada
- Département de Psychoéducation et de Psychologie, Université Du Québec en Outaouais, QC, Canada
- Faculty of Social Sciences, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Lara Pilutti
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada
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MacKenzie EG, Snow NJ, Chaves AR, Reza SZ, Ploughman M. Weak grip strength among persons with multiple sclerosis having minimal disability is not related to agility or integrity of the corticospinal tract. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2024; 88:105741. [PMID: 38936325 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2024.105741] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mobility impairment is common in multiple sclerosis (MS); however, agility has received less attention. Agility requires strength and neuromuscular coordination to elicit controlled propulsive rapid whole-body movement. Grip strength is a common method to assess whole body force production, but also reflects neuromuscular integrity and global brain health. Impaired agility may be linked to loss of neuromuscular integrity (reflected by grip strength or corticospinal excitability). OBJECTIVES We aimed to determine whether grip strength would be associated with agility and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)-based indices of corticospinal excitability and inhibition in persons with MS having low disability. We hypothesized that low grip strength would predict impaired agility and reflect low corticospinal excitability. METHODS We recruited 34 persons with relapsing MS (27 females; median [range] age 45.5 [21.0-65.0] years) and mild disability (median [range] Expanded Disability Status Scale 2.0 [0-3.0]), as well as a convenience sample of age- and sex-matched apparently healthy controls. Agility was tested by measuring hop length during bipedal hopping on an instrumented walkway. Grip strength was measured using a calibrated dynamometer. Corticospinal excitability and inhibition were examined using TMS-based motor evoked potential (MEP) and corticospinal silent period (CSP) recruitment curves, respectively. RESULTS MS participants had significantly lower grip strength than controls independent of sex. Females with and without MS had weaker grip strength than males. There were no statistically significant sex or group differences in agility. After controlling for sex, weaker grip strength was associated with shorter hop length in controls only (r = 0.645, p < .05). Grip strength did not significantly predict agility in persons with MS, nor was grip strength predicted by corticospinal excitability or inhibition. CONCLUSIONS In persons with MS having low disability, grip strength (normalized to body mass) was reduced despite having intact agility and walking performance. Grip strength was not associated with corticospinal excitability or inhibition, suggesting peripheral neuromuscular function, low physical activity or fitness, or other psychosocial factors may be related to weakness. Low grip strength is a putative indicator of early neuromuscular aging in persons with MS having mild disability and normal mobility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan G MacKenzie
- Faculty of Medicine, Recovery & Performance Laboratory, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, Room 400, L.A. Miller Center, 100 Forest Road, St. John's, St. John's, NL A1A 1E5, Canada
| | - Nicholas J Snow
- Faculty of Medicine, Recovery & Performance Laboratory, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, Room 400, L.A. Miller Center, 100 Forest Road, St. John's, St. John's, NL A1A 1E5, Canada
| | - Arthur R Chaves
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada; Neuromodulation Research Clinic, The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research, ON, Canada; Département de Psychoéducation et de Psychologie, Université du Québec en Outaouais, QC, Canada
| | - Syed Z Reza
- Faculty of Medicine, Recovery & Performance Laboratory, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, Room 400, L.A. Miller Center, 100 Forest Road, St. John's, St. John's, NL A1A 1E5, Canada
| | - Michelle Ploughman
- Faculty of Medicine, Recovery & Performance Laboratory, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, Room 400, L.A. Miller Center, 100 Forest Road, St. John's, St. John's, NL A1A 1E5, Canada.
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Jacques FH, Apedaile BE, Danis I, Sikati-Foko V, Lecompte M, Fortin J. Motor Evoked Potential-A Pilot Study Looking at Reliability and Clinical Correlations in Multiple Sclerosis. J Clin Neurophysiol 2024; 41:357-364. [PMID: 36943437 PMCID: PMC11060055 DOI: 10.1097/wnp.0000000000001003] [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] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a clinically heterogeneous disease. Biomarkers that can assess pathological processes that are unseen with conventional imaging remain an unmet need in MS disease management. Motor evoked potentials (MEPs) could be such a biomarker. To determine and follow longitudinal MEP reliability and correlations with clinical measures in MS patients. METHODS This is a single-center study in alemtuzumab-treated MS patients to evaluate temporal reliability of MEPs, identify MEP minimum detectible differences, and explore correlations with existing clinical scales. Ten MS patients recently treated with alemtuzumab were evaluated every 6 months over 3 years. Clinical evaluations consisted of expanded disability status scale, timed 25-foot walk, 6-minute walk, and nine-hole peg test. MEPs were measured twice, 2 weeks apart, every 6 months. RESULTS Eight patients completed all 3 years of study. The intraclass correlation coefficient for MEP parameters ranged from 0.76 to 0.98. TA latency and amplitude with facilitation significantly and strongly correlated with all clinical measures, whereas the MEP duration modestly correlated. Biceps latency with facilitation significantly and moderately correlated with 9-hole peg test. Longitudinal correlations demonstrated good predictive values for either clinical deterioration or improvement. CONCLUSIONS MEPs have excellent intrapatient and intrarater reliability, and TA MEPs significantly and strongly correlated with expanded disability status scale, 6-minute walk, and timed 25-foot walk, whereas biceps MEPs significantly and moderately correlated with nine-hole peg test. Further studies using larger cohorts of MS patients are indicated. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT02623946.
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Affiliation(s)
- F H Jacques
- Clinique Neuro-Outaouais, Gatineau, Quebec, Canada
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Snow NJ, Murphy HM, Chaves AR, Moore CS, Ploughman M. Transcranial magnetic stimulation enhances the specificity of multiple sclerosis diagnostic criteria: a critical narrative review. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17155. [PMID: 38563011 PMCID: PMC10984191 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated neurodegenerative disease that involves attacks of inflammatory demyelination and axonal damage, with variable but continuous disability accumulation. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive method to characterize conduction loss and axonal damage in the corticospinal tract. TMS as a technique provides indices of corticospinal tract function that may serve as putative MS biomarkers. To date, no reviews have directly addressed the diagnostic performance of TMS in MS. The authors aimed to conduct a critical narrative review on the diagnostic performance of TMS in MS. Methods The authors searched the Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for studies that reported the sensitivity and/or specificity of any reported TMS technique compared to established clinical MS diagnostic criteria. Studies were summarized and critically appraised for their quality and validity. Results Seventeen of 1,073 records were included for data extraction and critical appraisal. Markers of demyelination and axonal damage-most notably, central motor conduction time (CMCT)-were specific, but not sensitive, for MS. Thirteen (76%), two (12%), and two (12%) studies exhibited high, unclear, and low risk of bias, respectively. No study demonstrated validity for TMS techniques as diagnostic biomarkers in MS. Conclusions CMCT has the potential to: (1) enhance the specificity of clinical MS diagnostic criteria by "ruling in" true-positives, or (2) revise a diagnosis from relapsing to progressive forms of MS. However, there is presently insufficient high-quality evidence to recommend any TMS technique in the diagnostic algorithm for MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J. Snow
- Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL, Canada
| | - Hannah M. Murphy
- Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL, Canada
| | - Arthur R. Chaves
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Neuromodulation Research Clinic, The Royal’s Institute of Mental Health Research, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Département de Psychoéducation et de Psychologie, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
| | - Craig S. Moore
- Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL, Canada
| | - Michelle Ploughman
- Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL, Canada
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Strauss S, Herr T, Nafz C, Seusing N, Grothe M. The Cortical Silent Period and Its Association with Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis: The Need for Standardized Data Collection. Brain Sci 2023; 14:28. [PMID: 38248243 PMCID: PMC10813082 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14010028] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The cortical silent period (CSP), assessed with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), provides insights into motor cortex excitability. Alterations in the CSP have been observed in multiple sclerosis (MS), although a comparison of the sometimes contradictory results is difficult due to methodological differences. The aim of this study is to provide a more profound neurophysiological understanding of fatigue's pathophysiology and its relationship to the CSP. Twenty-three patients with MS, along with a matched control group, underwent comprehensive CSP measurements at four intensities (125, 150, 175, and 200% resting motor threshold), while their fatigue levels were assessed using the Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions (FSMC) and its motor and cognitive subscore. MS patients exhibited a significantly increased CSP duration compared to controls (p = 0.02), but CSP duration was not associated with the total FSMC, or the motor or cognitive subscore. Our data suggest a systematic difference in MS patients compared to healthy controls in the CSP but no association with fatigue when measured with the FSMC. Based on these results, and considering the heterogeneous literature in the field, our study highlights the need for a more standardized approach to neurophysiological data collection and validation. This standardization is crucial for exploring the link between TMS and clinical impairments in diseases like MS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Matthias Grothe
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine of Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (S.S.); (N.S.)
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Royer N, Brownstein CG, Kennouche D, Espeit L, Teston A, Boutet C, Féasson L, Camdessanché JP, Millet GY. A Comprehensive Evaluation of Multiple Sclerosis-Related Fatigue with a Special Focus on Fatigability. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2023; 55:2002-2013. [PMID: 37319414 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000003233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fatigue is the most common and disabling symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS), being reported by 55% to 78% of patients with MS (PwMS). Etiology of MS-related fatigue remains poorly understood, but an increased neuromuscular fatigability (i.e., greater loss of torque during exercise) could contribute to this phenomenon. This study aimed to characterize the correlates of MS-related fatigue in PwMS using a comprehensive group of physiological and psychosocial measures, with a particular focus on fatigability. METHODS Forty-two relapsing-remitting PwMS and 20 healthy subjects were recruited. PwMS were assigned in two groups (high (HF) and low (LF) fatigue) based on two fatigue questionnaires (Fatigue Severity Scale and Modified Fatigue Impact Scale). The main outcomes of this study are derived from incremental cycling completed to task failure (i.e., inability to pedal around 60 rpm). Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), rating of perceived exertion, and central and peripheral parameters measured using transcranial magnetic and peripheral nerve stimulation were assessed in the knee extensor muscles before, during, and after the fatiguing task. Other potential correlates of fatigue were also tested. RESULTS MVC torque decreased to a greater extent for the HF group than LF group after the third common stage of the incremental fatiguing exercise (-15.7% ± 6.6% vs -5.9% ± 13.0%, P < 0.05), and this occurred concurrently with a higher rating of perceived exertion for HF (11.8 ± 2.5 vs 9.3 ± 2.6, P < 0.05). Subjective parameters (depression, quality of life) were worse for HF compared with LF and healthy subjects ( P < 0.001). Moreover, MVC torque loss at the final common stage and maximal heart rate explained 29% of the variance of the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale. CONCLUSIONS These results provide novel insight into the relationship between MS-related fatigue and fatigability among PwMS. The HF group exhibited greater performance fatigability, likely contributing to a higher perceived exertion than the LF group when measured during a dynamic task.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Royer
- Univ Lyon, UJM-Saint-Etienne, Inter-university Laboratory of Human Movement Biology, Saint-Etienne, FRANCE
| | - Callum G Brownstein
- Univ Lyon, UJM-Saint-Etienne, Inter-university Laboratory of Human Movement Biology, Saint-Etienne, FRANCE
| | - Djahid Kennouche
- Univ Lyon, UJM-Saint-Etienne, Inter-university Laboratory of Human Movement Biology, Saint-Etienne, FRANCE
| | - Loic Espeit
- Univ Lyon, UJM-Saint-Etienne, Inter-university Laboratory of Human Movement Biology, Saint-Etienne, FRANCE
| | - Anthony Teston
- Department of Radiology, CHU Hospital, Jean Monnet University, Saint Etienne, FRANCE
| | - Claire Boutet
- Department of Radiology, CHU Hospital, Jean Monnet University, Saint Etienne, FRANCE
| | - Léonard Féasson
- Univ Lyon, UJM-Saint-Etienne, Inter-university Laboratory of Human Movement Biology, Saint-Etienne, FRANCE
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Swanson CW, Fling BW. Links between Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology with Turning Performance in People with Multiple Sclerosis. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:7629. [PMID: 37688084 PMCID: PMC10490793 DOI: 10.3390/s23177629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis is accompanied by decreased mobility and various adaptations affecting neural structure and function. Therefore, the purpose of this project was to understand how motor cortex thickness and corticospinal excitation and inhibition contribute to turning performance in healthy controls and people with multiple sclerosis. In total, 49 participants (23 controls, 26 multiple sclerosis) were included in the final analysis of this study. All participants were instructed to complete a series of turns while wearing wireless inertial sensors. Motor cortex gray matter thickness was measured via magnetic resonance imaging. Corticospinal excitation and inhibition were assessed via transcranial magnetic stimulation and electromyography place on the tibialis anterior muscles bilaterally. People with multiple sclerosis demonstrated reduced turning performance for a variety of turning variables. Further, we observed significant cortical thinning of the motor cortex in the multiple sclerosis group. People with multiple sclerosis demonstrated no significant reductions in excitatory neurotransmission, whereas a reduction in inhibitory activity was observed. Significant correlations were primarily observed in the multiple sclerosis group, demonstrating lateralization to the left hemisphere. The results showed that both cortical thickness and inhibitory activity were associated with turning performance in people with multiple sclerosis and may indicate that people with multiple sclerosis rely on different neural resources to perform dynamic movements typically associated with fall risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clayton W. Swanson
- Brain Rehabilitation Research Center, Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA;
- Department of Neurology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Brett W. Fling
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
- Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
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Statsenko Y, Smetanina D, Arora T, Östlundh L, Habuza T, Simiyu GL, Meribout S, Talako T, King FC, Makhnevych I, Gelovani JG, Das KM, Gorkom KNV, Almansoori TM, Al Zahmi F, Szólics M, Ismail F, Ljubisavljevic M. Multimodal diagnostics in multiple sclerosis: predicting disability and conversion from relapsing-remitting to secondary progressive disease course - protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e068608. [PMID: 37451729 PMCID: PMC10351237 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-068608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) has increased significantly over the last decade. The challenge is to identify the transition from relapsing-remitting to secondary progressive MS. Since available methods to examine patients with MS are limited, both the diagnostics and prognostication of disease progression would benefit from the multimodal approach. The latter combines the evidence obtained from disparate radiologic modalities, neurophysiological evaluation, cognitive assessment and molecular diagnostics. In this systematic review we will analyse the advantages of multimodal studies in predicting the risk of conversion to secondary progressive MS. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will use peer-reviewed publications available in Web of Science, Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Embase and CINAHL databases. In vivo studies reporting the predictive value of diagnostic methods will be considered. Selected publications will be processed through Covidence software for automatic deduplication and blind screening. Two reviewers will use a predefined template to extract the data from eligible studies. We will analyse the performance metrics (1) for the classification models reflecting the risk of secondary progression: sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, positive and negative predictive values; (2) for the regression models forecasting disability scores: the ratio of mean absolute error to the range of values. Then, we will create ranking charts representing performance of the algorithms for calculating disability level and MS progression. Finally, we will compare the predictive power of radiological and radiomical correlates of clinical disability and cognitive impairment in patients with MS. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study does not require ethical approval because we will analyse publicly available literature. The project results will be published in a peer-review journal and presented at scientific conferences. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42022354179.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yauhen Statsenko
- Radiology Department, United Arab Emirates University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE
- Medical Imaging Platform, ASPIRE Precision Medicine Research Institute Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE
- Big Data Analytics Center, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE
| | - Darya Smetanina
- Radiology Department, United Arab Emirates University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE
- Medical Imaging Platform, ASPIRE Precision Medicine Research Institute Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE
| | - Teresa Arora
- Psychology Department, College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE
| | - Linda Östlundh
- National Medical Library, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE
- Library, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Tetiana Habuza
- Big Data Analytics Center, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE
- Department of Computer Science, College of Information Technology, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE
| | - Gillian Lylian Simiyu
- Radiology Department, United Arab Emirates University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE
- Medical Imaging Platform, ASPIRE Precision Medicine Research Institute Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE
| | - Sarah Meribout
- Radiology Department, United Arab Emirates University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE
- Medical Imaging Platform, ASPIRE Precision Medicine Research Institute Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE
- Internal Medicine Department, Maimonides Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Tatsiana Talako
- Radiology Department, United Arab Emirates University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE
- Department of Oncohematology, Minsk Scientific and Practical Center for Surgery, Transplantology and Hematology, Minsk, Belarus
| | - Fransina Christina King
- Physiology Department, United Arab Emirates University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE
- Neuroscience Platform, ASPIRE Precision Medicine Research Institute Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE
| | - Iryna Makhnevych
- Radiology Department, United Arab Emirates University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE
| | - Juri George Gelovani
- Radiology Department, United Arab Emirates University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Wayne State University, College of Engineering, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Radiology Department, Siriraj Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Provost Office, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE
| | - Karuna M Das
- Radiology Department, United Arab Emirates University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE
| | - Klaus Neidl-Van Gorkom
- Radiology Department, United Arab Emirates University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE
| | - Taleb M Almansoori
- Radiology Department, United Arab Emirates University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE
| | - Fatmah Al Zahmi
- Neurology Department, Mediclinic Parkview Hospital, Dubai, Dubai Emirate, UAE
- Neurology Department, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, Dubai Emirate, UAE
| | - Miklós Szólics
- Internal Medicine Department, United Arab Emirates University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE
| | - Fatima Ismail
- Pediatrics Department, United Arab Emirates University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Milos Ljubisavljevic
- Physiology Department, United Arab Emirates University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE
- Neuroscience Platform, ASPIRE Precision Medicine Research Institute Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE
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Royer N, Coates K, Aboodarda SJ, Camdessanché JP, Millet GY. How is neuromuscular fatigability affected by perceived fatigue and disability in people with multiple sclerosis? Front Neurol 2022; 13:983643. [DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.983643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Whereas fatigue is recognized to be the main complaint of patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), its etiology, and particularly the role of resistance to fatigability and its interplay with disability level, remains unclear. The purposes of this review were to (i) clarify the relationship between fatigue/disability and neuromuscular performance in PwMS and (ii) review the corticospinal and muscular mechanisms of voluntary muscle contraction that are altered by multiple sclerosis, and how they may be influenced by disability level or fatigue. Neuromuscular function at rest and during exercise are more susceptible to impairement, due to deficits in voluntary activation, when the disability is greater. Fatigue level is related to resistance to fatigability but not to neuromuscular function at rest. Neurophysiological parameters related to signal transmission such as central motor conduction time, motor evoked potentials amplitude and latency are affected by disability and fatigue levels but their relative role in the impaired production of torque remain unclear. Nonetheless, cortical reorganization represents the most likely explanation for the heightened fatigability during exercise for highly fatigued and/or disabled PwMS. Further research is needed to decipher how the fatigue and disability could influence fatigability for an ecological task, especially at the corticospinal level.
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Non-invasive brain stimulation to assess neurophysiologic underpinnings of lower limb motor impairment in multiple sclerosis. J Neurosci Methods 2021; 356:109143. [PMID: 33757762 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2021.109143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neuroinflammatory disease resulting in axonal demyelination and an amalgamation of symptoms which commonly result in decreased quality of life due to mobility dysfunction and limited participation in meaningful activities. NEW METHOD The use of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques, specifically transcranial magnetic and transcranial direct current stimulation, have been essential in understanding the pathophysiological decrements related to disease progression, particularly with regard to motor impairments. Although the research in this area has primarily focused on the upper extremities, new interest has arisen in understanding the neurophysiological underpinnings of lower limb impairment. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to: first, provide an overview of common NIBS techniques used to explore sensorimotor neurophysiology; second, summarize lower limb neuromuscular and mobility impairments typically observed in PwMS; third, review the current knowledge regarding interactions between TMS-assessed neurophysiology and lower limb impairments in PwMS; and fourth, provide recommendations for future NIBS studies based on current gaps in the literature. RESULTS PwMS exhibit reduced excitability and increased inhibitory neurophysiologic function which has been related to disease severity and lower limb motor impairments. Comparison with existing methods: Moreover, promising results indicate that the use of repetitive stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation may prime neural adaptability and prove useful as a therapeutic tool in ameliorating lower limb impairments. CONCLUSIONS While these studies are both informative and promising, additional studies are necessary to be conclusive. As such, studies assessing objective measures of lower limb impairments associated with neurophysiological adaptations need further evaluation.
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Chaves AR, Snow NJ, Alcock LR, Ploughman M. Probing the Brain-Body Connection Using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): Validating a Promising Tool to Provide Biomarkers of Neuroplasticity and Central Nervous System Function. Brain Sci 2021; 11:384. [PMID: 33803028 PMCID: PMC8002717 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11030384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive method used to investigate neurophysiological integrity of the human neuromotor system. We describe in detail, the methodology of a single pulse TMS protocol that was performed in a large cohort of people (n = 110) with multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim was to establish and validate a core-set of TMS variables that predicted typical MS clinical outcomes: walking speed, hand dexterity, fatigue, and cognitive processing speed. We provide a brief and simple methodological pipeline to examine excitatory and inhibitory corticospinal mechanisms in MS that map to clinical status. Delayed and longer ipsilateral silent period (a measure of transcallosal inhibition; the influence of one brain hemisphere's activity over the other), longer cortical silent period (suggestive of greater corticospinal inhibition via GABA) and higher resting motor threshold (lower corticospinal excitability) most strongly related to clinical outcomes, especially when measured in the hemisphere corresponding to the weaker hand. Greater interhemispheric asymmetry (imbalance between hemispheres) correlated with poorer performance in the greatest number of clinical outcomes. We also show, not surprisingly, that TMS variables related more strongly to motor outcomes than non-motor outcomes. As it was validated in a large sample of patients with varying severities of central nervous system dysfunction, the protocol described herein can be used by investigators and clinicians alike to investigate the role of TMS as a biomarker in MS and other central nervous system disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Michelle Ploughman
- L.A. Miller Centre, Recovery and Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1A 1E5, Canada; (A.R.C.); (N.J.S.); (L.R.A.)
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Mohy AB, Hatem AK, Kadoori HG, Hamdan FB. Motor disability in patients with multiple sclerosis: transcranial magnetic stimulation study. THE EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, PSYCHIATRY AND NEUROSURGERY 2020. [DOI: 10.1186/s41983-020-00255-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure used in a small targeted region of the brain via electromagnetic induction and used diagnostically to measure the connection between the central nervous system (CNS) and skeletal muscle to evaluate the damage that occurs in MS.
Objectives
The study aims to investigate whether single-pulse TMS measures differ between patients with MS and healthy controls and to consider if these measures are associated with clinical disability.
Patients and methods
Single-pulse TMS was performed in 26 patients with MS who hand an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score between 0 and 9.5 and in 26 normal subjects. Different TMS parameters from upper and lower limbs were investigated.
Results
TMS disclosed no difference in all MEP parameters between the right and left side of the upper and lower limbs in patients with MS and controls. In all patients, TMS parameters were different from the control group. Upper limb central motor conduction time (CMCT) was prolonged in MS patients with pyramidal signs. Upper and lower limb CMCT and CMCT-f wave (CMCT-f) were prolonged in patients with ataxia. Moreover, CMCT and CMCT-f were prolonged in MS patients with EDSS of 5–9.5 as compared to those with a score of 0–4.5. EDSS correlated with upper and lower limb cortical latency (CL), CMCT, and CMCT-f whereas motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitude not.
Conclusion
TMS yields objective data to evaluate clinical disability and its parameters correlated well with EDSS.
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Thompson AK, Sinkjær T. Can Operant Conditioning of EMG-Evoked Responses Help to Target Corticospinal Plasticity for Improving Motor Function in People With Multiple Sclerosis? Front Neurol 2020; 11:552. [PMID: 32765389 PMCID: PMC7381136 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Corticospinal pathway and its function are essential in motor control and motor rehabilitation. Multiple sclerosis (MS) causes damage to the brain and descending connections, and often diminishes corticospinal function. In people with MS, neural plasticity is available, although it does not necessarily remain stable over the course of disease progress. Thus, inducing plasticity to the corticospinal pathway so as to improve its function may lead to motor control improvements, which impact one's mobility, health, and wellness. In order to harness plasticity in people with MS, over the past two decades, non-invasive brain stimulation techniques have been examined for addressing common symptoms, such as cognitive deficits, fatigue, and spasticity. While these methods appear promising, when it comes to motor rehabilitation, just inducing plasticity or having a capacity for it does not guarantee generation of better motor functions. Targeting plasticity to a key pathway, such as the corticospinal pathway, could change what limits one's motor control and improve function. One of such neural training methods is operant conditioning of the motor-evoked potential that aims to train the behavior of the corticospinal-motoneuron pathway. Through up-conditioning training, the person learns to produce the rewarded neuronal behavior/state of increased corticospinal excitability, and through iterative training, the rewarded behavior/state becomes one's habitual, daily motor behavior. This minireview introduces operant conditioning approach for people with MS. Guiding beneficial CNS plasticity on top of continuous disease progress may help to prolong the duration of maintained motor function and quality of life in people living with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiko K Thompson
- Department of Health Sciences and Research, College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Thomas Sinkjær
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.,Lundbeck Foundation, Copenhagen, Denmark
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15
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Stampanoni Bassi M, Buttari F, Gilio L, De Paolis N, Fresegna D, Centonze D, Iezzi E. Inflammation and Corticospinal Functioning in Multiple Sclerosis: A TMS Perspective. Front Neurol 2020; 11:566. [PMID: 32733354 PMCID: PMC7358546 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has been employed in multiple sclerosis (MS) to assess the integrity of the corticospinal tract and the corpus callosum and to explore some physiological properties of the motor cortex. Specific alterations of TMS measures have been strongly associated to different pathophysiological mechanisms, particularly to demyelination and neuronal loss. Moreover, TMS has contributed to investigate the neurophysiological basis of MS symptoms, particularly those not completely explained by conventional structural damage, such as fatigue. However, variability existing between studies suggests that alternative mechanisms should be involved. Knowledge of MS pathophysiology has been enriched by experimental studies in animal models (i.e., experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis) demonstrating that inflammation alters synaptic transmission, promoting hyperexcitability and neuronal damage. Accordingly, TMS studies have demonstrated an imbalance between cortical excitation and inhibition in MS. In particular, cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of different proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory molecules have been associated to corticospinal hyperexcitability, highlighting that inflammatory synaptopathy may represent a key pathophysiological mechanism in MS. In this perspective article, we discuss whether corticospinal excitability alterations assessed with TMS in MS patients could be useful to explain the pathophysiological correlates and their relationships with specific MS clinical characteristics and symptoms. Furthermore, we discuss evidence indicating that, in MS patients, inflammatory synaptopathy could be present since the early phases, could specifically characterize relapses, and could progressively increase during the disease course.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabio Buttari
- Unit of Neurology & Neurorehabilitation, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Luana Gilio
- Unit of Neurology & Neurorehabilitation, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Nicla De Paolis
- Unit of Neurology & Neurorehabilitation, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Diego Fresegna
- Laboratory of Synaptic Immunopathology, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy
| | - Diego Centonze
- Unit of Neurology & Neurorehabilitation, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy.,Laboratory of Synaptic Immunopathology, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Ennio Iezzi
- Unit of Neurology & Neurorehabilitation, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
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Chaves AR, Devasahayam AJ, Riemenschneider M, Pretty RW, Ploughman M. Walking Training Enhances Corticospinal Excitability in Progressive Multiple Sclerosis-A Pilot Study. Front Neurol 2020; 11:422. [PMID: 32581998 PMCID: PMC7287174 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Inflammatory lesions and neurodegeneration lead to motor, cognitive, and sensory impairments in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Accumulation of disability is at least partially due to diminished capacity for neuroplasticity within the central nervous system. Aerobic exercise is a potentially important intervention to enhance neuroplasticity since it causes upregulation of neurotrophins and enhances corticospinal excitability, which can be probed using single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Whether people with progressive MS who have accumulated substantial disability could benefit from walking rehabilitative training to enhance neuroplasticity is not known. Objective: We aimed to determine whether 10 weeks of task-specific walking training would affect corticospinal excitability over time (pre, post, and 3-month follow-up) among people with progressive MS who required walking aids. Results: Eight people with progressive MS (seven female; 29–74 years old) with an Expanded Disability Status Scale of 6–6.5 underwent harness-supported treadmill walking training in a temperature controlled room at 16°C (10 weeks; three times/week; 40 min at 40–65% heart rate reserve). After training, there was significantly higher corticospinal excitability in both brain hemispheres, reductions in TMS active motor thresholds, and increases in motor-evoked potential amplitudes and slope of the recruitment curve (REC). Decreased intracortical inhibition (shorter cortical silent period) after training was noted in the hemisphere corresponding to the stronger hand only. These effects were not sustained at follow-up. There was a significant relationship between increases in corticospinal excitability (REC, area under the curve) in the hemisphere corresponding to the stronger hand and lessening of both intensity and impact of fatigue on activities of daily living (Fatigue Severity Scale and Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, respectively). Conclusion: Our pilot results support that vigorous treadmill training can potentially improve neuroplastic potential and mitigate symptoms of the disease even among people who have accumulated substantial disability due to MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur R Chaves
- Recovery and Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, L. A. Miller Centre, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Augustine J Devasahayam
- Recovery and Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, L. A. Miller Centre, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Morten Riemenschneider
- Section for Sports Science, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ryan W Pretty
- Recovery and Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, L. A. Miller Centre, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Michelle Ploughman
- Recovery and Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, L. A. Miller Centre, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
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17
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Exercise-Induced Brain Excitability Changes in Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study. J Neurol Phys Ther 2020; 44:132-144. [DOI: 10.1097/npt.0000000000000308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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18
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Snow NJ, Wadden KP, Chaves AR, Ploughman M. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation as a Potential Biomarker in Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review with Recommendations for Future Research. Neural Plast 2019; 2019:6430596. [PMID: 31636661 PMCID: PMC6766108 DOI: 10.1155/2019/6430596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system. Disease progression is variable and unpredictable, warranting the development of biomarkers of disease status. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive method used to study the human motor system, which has shown potential in MS research. However, few reviews have summarized the use of TMS combined with clinical measures of MS and no work has comprehensively assessed study quality. This review explored the viability of TMS as a biomarker in studies of MS examining disease severity, cognitive impairment, motor impairment, or fatigue. Methodological quality and risk of bias were evaluated in studies meeting selection criteria. After screening 1603 records, 30 were included for review. All studies showed high risk of bias, attributed largely to issues surrounding sample size justification, experimenter blinding, and failure to account for key potential confounding variables. Central motor conduction time and motor-evoked potentials were the most commonly used TMS techniques and showed relationships with disease severity, motor impairment, and fatigue. Short-latency afferent inhibition was the only outcome related to cognitive impairment. Although there is insufficient evidence for TMS in clinical assessments of MS, this review serves as a template to inform future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J. Snow
- Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Katie P. Wadden
- Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Arthur R. Chaves
- Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Michelle Ploughman
- Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
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19
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Prolonged cortical silent period is related to poor fitness and fatigue, but not tumor necrosis factor, in Multiple Sclerosis. Clin Neurophysiol 2019; 130:474-483. [PMID: 30771724 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2018.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Revised: 12/08/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Poor fitness among people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) aggravates disease symptoms. Whether low fitness levels accompany brain functioning changes is unknown. METHODS MS patients (n = 82) completed a graded maximal exercise test, blood was drawn, and transcranial magnetic stimulation determined resting and active motor thresholds, motor evoked potential latency, and cortical silent period (CSP). RESULTS Sixty-two percent of participants had fitness levels ranked below 10th percentile. Fitness was not associated with disability measured using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Regression analyses revealed that, cardiorespiratory fitness, when controlling for disease demographics, contributed 23.7% (p < 0.001) to the model explaining variance in CSP. Regression analysis using cardiorespiratory fitness and CSP as predictors showed that CSP alone explained 19.9% of variance in subjective fatigue (p = 0.002). Tumor necrosis factor was not associated with any variable. CONCLUSION Low fitness was associated with longer CSP in MS. Longer CSP was, in turn, related to greater MS fatigue. SIGNIFICANCE MS patients had extremely low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness. Poor fitness predicted longer CSP, a marker of greater intracortical inhibition, which was linked to MS fatigue. Future research should examine whether aerobic training could shorten CSP and potentially lessen inhibition of cortical networks.
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20
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Nantes JC, Zhong J, Holmes SA, Narayanan S, Lapierre Y, Koski L. Cortical Damage and Disability in Multiple Sclerosis: Relation to Intracortical Inhibition and Facilitation. Brain Stimul 2016; 9:566-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2016.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Revised: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
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21
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Neva JL, Lakhani B, Brown KE, Wadden KP, Mang CS, Ledwell NHM, Borich MR, Vavasour IM, Laule C, Traboulsee AL, MacKay AL, Boyd LA. Multiple measures of corticospinal excitability are associated with clinical features of multiple sclerosis. Behav Brain Res 2016; 297:187-95. [PMID: 26467603 PMCID: PMC4904787 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2015.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Revised: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
In individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may be employed to assess the integrity of corticospinal system and provides a potential surrogate biomarker of disability. The purpose of this study was to provide a comprehensive examination of the relationship between multiple measures corticospinal excitability and clinical disability in MS (expanded disability status scale (EDSS)). Bilateral corticospinal excitability was assessed using motor evoked potential (MEP) input-output (IO) curves, cortical silent period (CSP), short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI), intracortical facilitation (ICF) and transcallosal inhibition (TCI) in 26 individuals with MS and 11 healthy controls. Measures of corticospinal excitability were compared between individuals with MS and controls. We evaluated the relationship(s) between age and clinical demographics such as age at MS onset (AO), disease duration (DD) and clinical disability (EDSS) with measures of corticospinal excitability. Corticospinal excitability thresholds were higher, MEP latency and CSP onset delayed and MEP durations prolonged in individuals with MS compared to controls. Age, DD and EDSS correlated with corticospinal excitability thresholds. Also, TCI duration and the linear slope of the MEP amplitude IO curve correlated with EDSS. Hierarchical regression modeling demonstrated that combining multiple TMS-based measures of corticospinal excitability accounted for unique variance in clinical disability (EDSS) beyond that of clinical demographics (AO, DD). Our results indicate that multiple TMS-based measures of corticospinal and interhemispheric excitability provide insights into the potential neural mechanisms associated with clinical disability in MS. These findings may aid in the clinical evaluation, disease monitoring and prediction of disability in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Neva
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - B Lakhani
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - K E Brown
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - K P Wadden
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - C S Mang
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - N H M Ledwell
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - M R Borich
- Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - I M Vavasour
- Department of Radiology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - C Laule
- Department of Radiology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - A L Traboulsee
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - A L MacKay
- Department of Radiology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Physics & Astronomy, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - L A Boyd
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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22
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Evoked potentials and disability in multiple sclerosis: A different perspective to a neglected method. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2015; 133:11-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2015.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Revised: 02/28/2015] [Accepted: 03/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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23
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Brown KE, Neva JL, Ledwell NM, Boyd LA. Use of transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of selected movement disorders. Degener Neurol Neuromuscul Dis 2014; 4:133-151. [PMID: 32669907 PMCID: PMC7337234 DOI: 10.2147/dnnd.s70079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a valuable technique for assessing the underlying neurophysiology associated with various neuropathologies, and is a unique tool for establishing potential neural mechanisms responsible for disease progression. Recently, repetitive TMS (rTMS) has been advanced as a potential therapeutic technique to treat selected neurologic disorders. In healthy individuals, rTMS can induce changes in cortical excitability. Therefore, targeting specific cortical areas affected by movement disorders theoretically may alter symptomology. This review discusses the evidence for the efficacy of rTMS in Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis. It is hoped that gaining a more thorough understanding of the timing and parameters of rTMS in individuals with neurodegenerative disorders may advance both clinical care and research into the most effective uses of this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jason L Neva
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Lara A Boyd
- Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Science.,Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Pallix-Guyot M, Guennoc AM, Blasco H, de Toffol B, Corcia P, Praline J. Predictive value of motor evoked potentials in clinically isolated syndrome. Acta Neurol Scand 2011; 124:410-6. [PMID: 21355856 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.2011.01498.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the predictive role of several measures obtained by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) for the risk of conversion to multiple sclerosis (MS) during the first 2 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS We investigated 34 patients with CIS. After 2 years of follow-up and classification into two groups according to MS diagnosis, initial TMS measures were compared to determine their predictive values for conversion to MS. RESULTS Sixteen patients developed MS. We observed a significant difference between the two groups for contralateral silent period and no significant difference for the central motor conduction time, amplitude ratio, motor threshold, ipsilateral silent period, and the transcallosal conduction time. CONCLUSIONS Contralateral silent period (SP) seems to be a valuable parameter to early distinguish patients who will develop MS or not. This result about SP during CIS has never been described until now. An increased contralateral silent period would predict a conversion to MS with a positive predictive value of 75%, but this result needs to be confirmed in larger groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Pallix-Guyot
- Service de Neurologie et de Neurophysiologie Clinique, Hôpital Bretonneau, CHRU Tours, France.
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Dell'Acqua ML, Landi D, Zito G, Zappasodi F, Lupoi D, Rossini PM, Filippi MM, Tecchio F. Thalamocortical sensorimotor circuit in multiple sclerosis: an integrated structural and electrophysiological assessment. Hum Brain Mapp 2011; 31:1588-600. [PMID: 20162580 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.20961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Demyelination and axonal damage are pathologic hallmarks of multiple sclerosis (MS), leading to loss of neuronal synchronization, functional disconnection amongst brain relays, and clinical sequelae. To investigate these properties, the primary component of the sensorimotor network was analyzed in mildly disabled Relapsing-Remitting MS patients without sensory symptoms at the time of the investigation. By magnetoencephalography (MEG), the recruitment pattern within the primary sensory (S1) and motor (M1) areas was estimated through the morphology of the early components of somatosensory evoked magnetic fields (SEFs), after evaluating the S1 responsiveness to sensory inputs from the contralateral arm. In each hemisphere, network recruitment properties were correlated with ispilateral thalamus volume, estimated by morphometric techniques upon high-resolution 3D structural magnetic resonance images (MRI). S1 activation was preserved, whereas SEF morphology was strikingly distorted in MS patients, marking a disruption of primary somatosensory network patterning. An unbalance of S1-M1 dynamic recruitment was documented and correlated with the thalamic volume reduction in the left hemisphere. These findings support the model of MS as a disconnection syndrome, with major susceptibility to damage experienced by nodes belonging to more frequently recruited and highly specialized networks.
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Rábago CA, Lancaster JL, Narayana S, Zhang W, Fox PT. Automated-parameterization of the motor evoked potential and cortical silent period induced by transcranial magnetic stimulation. Clin Neurophysiol 2009; 120:1577-87. [PMID: 19559646 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2009.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2008] [Revised: 03/16/2009] [Accepted: 04/28/2009] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To standardize the characterization of motor evoked potential (MEP) and cortical silent period (CSP) recordings elicited with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). METHODS A computer-based, automated-parameterization program (APP) was developed and tested which provides a comprehensive set of electromyography (EMG) magnitude and temporal measures. The APP was tested using MEP, CSP, and isolated CSP (iCSP) TMS stimulus-response data from a healthy adult population (N=13). RESULTS The APP had the highest internal reliability (Cronbach's alpha=.98) for CSP offset time compared with two prominent automated methods. The immediate post-CSP EMG recovery level was 49% higher than the pre-TMS EMG level. MEP size (peak amplitude, mean amplitude, peak-to-peak amplitude, and area) correlated higher with effective E-field (E(eff)) than other intensity measures (r approximately 0.5 vs. r approximately 0.3) suggesting that E(eff) is better suited for standardizing MEP stimulus-response relationships. CONCLUSIONS The APP successfully characterized individual and mean epochs containing MEP, CSP, and iCSP responses. The APP provided common signal and temporal measures consistent with previous studies and novel additional parameters. SIGNIFICANCE With the use of the APP modeling method and the E(eff), a standard approach for the analysis and reporting of MEP-CSP complex and iCSP measurements is achievable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Rábago
- Research Imaging Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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Damron LA, Dearth DJ, Hoffman RL, Clark BC. Quantification of the corticospinal silent period evoked via transcranial magnetic stimulation. J Neurosci Methods 2008; 173:121-8. [PMID: 18588914 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2008.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2008] [Revised: 05/13/2008] [Accepted: 06/01/2008] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A magnetic pulse to the cortex during a muscle contraction produces a motor evoked potential (MEP) followed by electrical quiescence before activity resumes that is indicative of corticospinal inhibition and commonly referred to as the corticospinal slient period (SP). The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of stimulus intensity and quantification method on the between-visit variability of the SP in healthy individuals. On two occasions we recorded the SP from 9 humans at 3 stimulus intensities (10, 20 and 30% above active motor threshold [AMT]) and quantified the SP based on 8 common criteria. We evaluated the effect of stimulus intensity on reliability by using the limits of agreement, and this analysis revealed that the lower stimulus intensities (10 and 20% AMT) exhibited heteroscedasticity, which indicates the amount of random error increases as the silent period increases. The 30% AMT intensity was homoscedastic. We used both visual and mathematical approaches to quantify the SP, and observed that the between-visit coefficient of variation (CV) was less for the visual methods, and that the CV was reduced when the SP onset was earliest in the temporal occurrence of events (i.e. MEP onset to EMG return CV=12%). Inter-rater reliability for the visual analyses were high (r=0.91-0.99). These results suggest that SPs evoked with a stimulus intensity >or=30% AMT and quantified visually by defining the start of the SP at stimulus delivery or the start of the MEP be utilized to decrease the between visit variability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leatha A Damron
- Department of Physical Therapy, SUNY Upstate Medical University, United States
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Gagliardo A, Galli F, Grippo A, Amantini A, Martinelli C, Amato MP, Borsini W. Motor evoked potentials in multiple sclerosis patients without walking limitation: amplitude vs. conduction time abnormalities. J Neurol 2007; 254:220-7. [PMID: 17308868 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-006-0334-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2005] [Accepted: 04/05/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
We used Motor Evoked Potentials (MEPs), elicited by transcranial magnetic stimulation, for assessing a motor pathways dysfunction in a selected group of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients, without limitation in walking. We selected 32 Relapsing Remitting MS patients, in remission phase, with EDSS < or = 3.5 and 20 healthy individuals with similar height and age distribution. We measured the following MEP parameters: motor thresholds; central motor conduction time (CMCT); amplitude and area, both expressed as MEP/CMAP ratio. Patients were divided into two groups according to the EDSS score: non-disabled group (ND; EDSS 0-1.5) and disabled group (D; EDSS 2-3.5). Mean average MEP values were significantly different in the patients compared with the controls. Even in MS patients with no or minor neurological signs (ND group), MEP parameters showed differences from controls and furthermore all MEP parameters were significantly different in the D group compared with the ND group. The 75% of the patients had an amplitude or area alteration; this percentage was significantly higher than the percentage of patients with a CMCT alteration (56.2%). In addition, CMCT increase was always associated with reduced amplitude and area, but amplitude and area alterations were present also in patients with normal CMCT. In early stages of MS, the higher percentage shown in alteration of MEP amplitudes and areas as opposed to CMCTs has not previously been highlighted in the literature. Independently of its pathogenesis (demyelination or axonal loss), the amplitude or area decrease should be considered in clinical trials and in follow-up studies, as a marker of the motor pathways dysfunction, at least as much as CMCT increase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Gagliardo
- Clinical Neurophysiology Unit, Department of Neurological and Psychiatric Sciences, Careggi Hospital, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 85, 50100 Florence, Italy.
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Feuillet L, Pelletier J, Suchet L, Rico A, Ali Cherif A, Pouget J, Attarian S. Prospective clinical and electrophysiological follow-up on a multiple sclerosis population treated with interferon beta-1 a. Mult Scler 2007; 13:348-56. [PMID: 17439904 DOI: 10.1177/1352458506070235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Objective To analyse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) variables in a prospective six-month follow-up pilot study on patients suffering from relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), satisfying inclusion criteria for interferon (IFN) beta-1a treatment. Background So far, no predictive factors are available as to the course of RRMS treated with IFN beta-1 a. Design/methods Fifteen RRMS patients were studied before (month 0 (M0)) and after IFN beta-1a onset (M3, M6). The parameters analysed were motor functional score (mFS), Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and TMS variables - central motor conduction time (CMCT) and amplitude ratio (AR). Results Four of the six patients with no motor signs at inclusion, subsequently showed signs of pyramidal dysfunction. All had abnormal M0_TMS variables. The number of M0_TMS abnormalities per patient was greatest in the group that showed mFS worsening, and was significantly correlated with M6_EDSS. The M0_CMCT was significantly correlated with M6_EDSS. During follow-up, the number of patients with abnormal TMS variables decreased from 12/15 to 4/15, and the total number of abnormalities decreased from 33.3 to 16.7%. Conclusions TMS variables might be predictive of disease progression. The improvement observed here in the TMS variables may reflect an improvement in MS patients undergoing IFN beta treatment. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 348-356. http://msj.sagepub.com
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Affiliation(s)
- L Feuillet
- Department of Neurology, Faculté de Médecine de Marseille, Université de la Méditerranée, Hôpital de La Timone, Marseille, France.
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