Background:
Somatosensory evoked potentials test is a functional assessment for the sensory
pathways in the dorsal column of the spinal cord. It can be used for
compression diagnosis in cervical disc prolapse. Objective: To compare the SEP
values in cervical disc prolapse patients, preoperatively and postoperatively
and to correlate these with the clinical improvement. Methods: Twenty
cervical disc patients, indicated for surgery were included in this study. All
were evaluated clinically and by SEPs before and 1st, 3rd
and 6th month after surgery. Results: The statistical data of N14
wave latency originating from the nuclei of the dorsal column of the medulla
spinalis has statistical significance (p<0.05). Conclusion: This
study concluded that SEPs test is an accurate and prognostic indicator for
dorsal column dysfunction resulting from compression, especially during the
postoperative period. [Egypt J Neurol
Psychiat Neurosurg. 2015; 52(2): 123-126]
Key Words: Somatosensory
evoked potential, Cervical disc prolapse.
Correspondence to Ahmed Kersh, Department of
Neurosurgery, Cairo University,
Egypt.
Tel: +201061036336 Email: Ahmed.Kersh@kasralainy.edu.eg