Changes in sensorimotor functions after spinal lesions evaluated in terms of long-latency reflexes. Issue 12 (December 1987)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ackermann, H; Diener, H C; Dichgans, J
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Volume 50:Issue 12(1987)
• Page Start: 1647
• Page End: 1654
• Publication Date: 1987-12
• Subjects: Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.50.12.1647
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3050

Abstract

Abstract : Lesions of the central afferent and efferent pathways cause onset-delays of long-latency EMG responses from anterior tibial muscle after passive dorsiflection of the ankle joint in standing subjects. In 23 patients with spinal tumour or cervical stenosis and clinical signs of a medullary lesion, short-, medium- and long-latency EMG responses from distal leg muscles after ankle dorsiflection were recorded prior to and after surgical intervention. Fifteen of the patients were re-examined between 1 and 2 years after surgery. The results of the follow-up study support the hypothesis of a supraspinal pathway for long-latency EMG responses in distal leg muscles and show their significance as a quantitative measure of sensorimotor functions.