| Byoung Joon Kim | 8 Articles |
Background
The standardized autonomic function test has become widely available. However, there are no reference data for this test for the Korean population. This study explored reference data for sudomotor and cardiovagal function tests for the Korean population. Methods The sweat volume by quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test, heart-rate response to deep breathing (HRdb), expiration:inspiration (E:I) ratio, and Valsalva ratio (VR) were measured in 297 healthy Korean volunteers aged from 20 to 69 years. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to evaluate the effects of age, sex, and body mass index on these variables. The 2.5th, 5th, 10th, 90th, 95th, and 97.5th percentile values were obtained for each investigation. Results The sweat volume was higher in males than in females. The HRdb and E:I ratio were negatively correlated with age, and were higher in males than in females. The VR was negatively correlated with age, but it was not correlated with sex. Conclusions This study has provided data on the reference ranges for sudomotor and cardiovagal function tests in healthy Korean adults. Citations Citations to this article as recorded by
Background
Tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) is an entrapment neuropathy of the tibial nerve within fibrous tunnel on the medial side of the ankle. The most common cause of TTS is idiopathic. This is a retrospective study to define the lectrophysiological characteristics of idiopathic TTS. Methods: We reviewed the medical and electrophysiological records of consecutive patients with foot sensory symptoms referred to electromyography laboratory. Inclusion of patients was based on clinical findings suggestive of TTS. Among them, patients with any other possible causes of sensory symptoms on the foot were excluded. Control data were obtained from 19 age-matched people with no sensory symptoms or signs. Routine motor and sensory nerve conduction study (NCS) including medial plantar nerve (MPN) using surface electrodes were performed. Results: Twenty one patients (13 women, 8 men, 9 unilateral, 12 bilateral) were enrolled to have idiopathic TTS (total 31 feet). Tinel
Various immunotherapeutic modalities have been used based on the autoimmune pathogenic mechanisms of myasthenia gravis (MG). Cell-mediated immunity as well as auto-antibodies may play a role in the remission and relapse of MG. We recently experienced two patients with MG who showed spontaneous remission fter inadvertent severe leukopenia. These findings suggest that the cell-mediated immune process is important in the treatment of MG, and selective suppression of leukocyte may induce remission in the patients with intractable MG.
Background
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive diagnostic method particularly suited to investigation the long motor tracts. The clinical value of TMS in most spinal cord diseases has still to be made. Diagnostic value of magnetic motor evoked potential (MEP) parameters in intramedullary spinal cord lesions was investigated. Methods MEP elicited by TMS was recorded in 57 patients with clinically and radiologically defined intramedullary myelopathy. Twenty five patients with cervical myelopathy (CM) and 32 thoracic myelopathy (TM) were included. Recordings were performed during resting and minimal voluntary contraction at both abductor pollicis brevis (APB) and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles. Stimulation threshold(ST), amplitude, and central motor conduction time (CCT) were measured at resting and facilitated conditions. CCT was calculated by two means; central motor latency (CML)-M using magnetic transcranial and root stimulation, and CML-F using electrical F-wave study. The results were compared between patient groups and 10 normal control group. Results Facilitated mean ST recorded at TA was elevated in both CM and TM compared with control group. Resting mean CML-M at TA was significantly prolonged in both CM and TM, and CML-M was absent or delayed in 37.1% of CM and 8% of TM at APB with facilitation. Facilitated mean MEP amplitude at ABP was lower in CM than in TM, while MEP/M ratios were not different significantly between groups. Conclusions Magnetic motor evoked potential has diagnostic value in intramedullary myelopathy and localizing value in differentiating between CM and TM by recording at APB and TA. It is a noninvasive way to investigate the functional status of motor tracts of spinal cord.
Isolated posterior antebrachial cutaneous (PABC) neuropathy is rare. A 62 year-old man presented with hypesthesia over the skin region of PABC nerve territory after an injection at the proximal to the lateral epicondyle. Antidromic sensory nerve conduction studies of PABC nerve was not evoked on the affected side. Our case showed that sensory nerveconduction of PABC nerve can be performed without much difficulty and that this test is useful in confirming PABC neuropathy.
Two cases of bilateral ulnar neuropathies caused by telephone overuse are described in people engaged in the job of longtime telephone use. They had worked using telephone all through the working hours. Although they were right handed, they usually used the telephone in their left hand so as to leave their right hand free for writing, and would lean his elbow on the desk. Telesales or teleconsultation is a rapidly expanding field of business. These cases highlights the need of proper training and supplies appropriate to do their job.
Background
s and Objectives : In the length-dependent axonal polyneuropathy like diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN), the distal part of the longer axons are affected earlier. In cases of minimal distal axonal changes, nerve conduction studies (NCS) are frequently normal. If sural nerve is affected in the early stage of DPN, supportive parameters to detect the early axonal degeneration may be helpful. We investigated whether the sural/lunar SNAP amplitude ratio (SUAR) may be a more sensitive indicator than sural amplitude alone in the diagnosis of early diabetic polyneuropathy. Methods: We analyzed medical records and electrophysiological studies of 141 patients with DM and 30 healthy subject. The patients with early stage of DPN were defined as those having symptoms of neuropathy and normal NCS findings among the patients with DM. We compared SUAR between 57 patients with early stage of DPN and 71 age-matched control subjects. Results: Fifty seven patients had an average SUAR of 0.8, compared to that of 1,1 in the 71 normal controls. The SUAR of less than 0.9 was supplementary predictor of axonal polynerupathy, with the best balance of sensitivity and specificity (70%). The SUAR did not vary significantly with age, height or duration of DM. Conclusions: We conclude that the SUAR is a useful electrodiagnostic indicator to detect early stage of DPN.
|
|
