T-wave response in cervical root lesions

Acta Neurol Scand. 1991 Oct;84(4):273-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.1991.tb04953.x.

Abstract

T-wave responses of biceps and triceps brachii muscles were recorded electrophysiologically from 31 normal subjects and 15 patients with unilateral lesions of the cervical C6 or C7 roots. Pathological T-wave responses were found in 11 (73%) patients. Patients with radiological correlate showed electromyographic (EMG) pathology in 60% but a pathological T-wave response in 90%. All patients with radiological correlate also showed pathological electrophysiological tests (EMG or T-wave responses). Electrophysiological measurement of the T-wave response appears to be a potentially useful tool in the diagnosis of cervical radiculopathies.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Arm / innervation*
  • Electromyography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscles / innervation*
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes / diagnosis*
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes / physiopathology*
  • Reaction Time / physiology
  • Reflex, Abnormal / physiology
  • Reflex, Stretch / physiology*
  • Spinal Nerve Roots / physiopathology*