Neurophysiological findings and MRI in anterior spinal artery syndrome of the lower cervical cord: the value of F-waves

• Published in: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry Vol. 54; no. 8; pp. 738 - 740
• Main Authors: Amoiridis, G, Poehlau, D, Przuntek, H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London BMJ Publishing Group Ltd 01.08.1991; BMJ; BMJ Publishing Group LTD
• Subjects: Aged; Arteries - physiopathology; Biological and medical sciences; Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory - physiology; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Infarction - diagnosis; Infarction - physiopathology; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Medical sciences; Neurologic Examination; Neurology; Paralysis - diagnosis; Paralysis - physiopathology; Peripheral Nerves - physiopathology; Sensation - physiology; Spinal Cord - blood supply; Synaptic Transmission - physiology; Vascular diseases and vascular malformations of the nervous system; Case study; Human; Electrodiagnosis; Nervous system diseases; Vascular lesions of the spinal cord; Anterior spinal artery; Exploration; Obliteration; Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging; F wave; Cervical spinal cord
• ISSN: 0022-3050; 1468-330X
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.54.8.738

Ten hours after onset of an anterior spinal artery syndrome (ASAS) F-waves could not be obtained from the paralysed left hand muscles. F-waves in the right hand were present and motor nerve conduction studies were normal on both sides. One week later paralysis of the right hand together with paraparesis occurred. Two days later F-waves from the right hand had disappeared. Three weeks later MRI confirmed the diagnosis of ischaemic spinal cord infarction.