Direct spinal nerve stimulation in guillian barre syndrome *

Abstract EN

Guillian Barre syndrome (GBS) is an acquired polyneuropathy that may cause distal and proximal affection.

Early and precise diagnosis of proximal affection is difficult.

Aim of study: To evaluate the use of cervical root stimulation in detection of proximal affection with GBS.

Material & Methods: The study included 10 GBS patients and 10 controls.

All of them had undergone full medical history, general and neurological examination; followed by bilateral direct spinal nerve stimulation of cervical roots (C7, 8 and D1) and bilateral ulnar nerve conduction studies including F wave latency.

Results: There was a significant delay in the latency of the negative phase of the compound muscle action potential (CMAP) [mean 18.42±2.77] and a significant decrease in the amplitude (193.5±78.5?V) where t= 2.725 (p<0.05) and 4.025 (p<0.05) respectively.

The electrophysiological features of the peripheral nerves also confirmed the diagnosis.

Conclusion: Cervical direct spinal nerve stimulation may provide an objective and sensitive parameter for detection of proximal affection and should be performed in all patients for proper and early diagnosis of proximal GBS.