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Nagarajan A, Sinha SK. Masseter Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials: A new tool to assess the vestibulomasseteric reflex pathway. J Otol 2024; 19:46-54. [PMID: 38313757 PMCID: PMC10837556 DOI: 10.1016/j.joto.2023.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose This review article provides the readers with an in-depth insight in understanding and interpreting various research literatures on the masseter vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (mVEMP). The article also reviews the contemporary researches involving the clinical applications of the mVEMP. Conclusions Masseter VEMP is an evolving yet clinically promising neuro-otology test tool that has recently gained more research interest and is considered an additional tool to diagnose various vestibular disorders. Masseter VEMP assesses the functional integrity of the acoustic-masseteric and vestibulo-masseteric reflex pathways. The mVEMP could be used as a complementary test to evaluate the same peripheral generator as the cervical VEMP but a different central pathway i.e., vestibulo-trigeminal pathway. Various research studies that have experimented on parameters such as the effect of different electrode montages (zygomatic vs mandibular configurations), stimulation rates, filter settings and stimuli used to evoke mVEMP have been discussed in this article that could assist in the optimization of a comprehensive clinical protocol. The latency and the amplitude of mVEMP waveforms serve as significant parameters in differentiating normals from those of the clinical populations. Along with the cVEMPs and oVEMPs, mVEMP might help diagnose brainstem lesions in REM Sleep behaviour disorders, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. However, further studies are required to probe in this area of research.
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Thirusangu VP, Sinha SK. Characteristics of ipsilateral, contralateral and bilateral masseter vestibular-evoked myogenic potential in healthy adults. J Laryngol Otol 2023; 137:1359-1367. [PMID: 36694985 DOI: 10.1017/s0022215123000051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to characterise the ipsilateral, contralateral and bilateral masseter vestibular-evoked myogenic potential using clicks and 500 Hz tone burst stimuli in healthy adults. METHOD Masseter vestibular-evoked myogenic potential was recorded from 20 healthy participants aged 19-28 years (11 males and 9 females). Masseter vestibular-evoked myogenic potential was recorded using 500 Hz tone burst and click stimuli in ipsilateral, contralateral and bilateral modes. RESULTS A statistically significant difference was observed between ipsilateral and contralateral stimulation for p11 latency, n21 latency and p11-n21 amplitude for both click and 500 Hz tone burst stimuli. The amplitude of the p11-n21 complex was higher for ipsilateral, contralateral and bilateral stimulations for 500 Hz tone burst than for click stimulus. CONCLUSION This study showed a significant difference for p11-n21 amplitude between click and 500 Hz tone burst evoked masseter vestibular-evoked myogenic potential. In addition, bilateral stimulation elicited a larger response than ipsilateral and contralateral stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- V P Thirusangu
- Department of Audiology, All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Manasagangothri, Mysore, India
| | - S K Sinha
- Department of Audiology, All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Manasagangothri, Mysore, India
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Figorilli M, Meloni M, Lanza G, Casaglia E, Lecca R, Saibene FL, Congiu P, Puligheddu M. Considering REM Sleep Behavior Disorder in the Management of Parkinson's Disease. Nat Sci Sleep 2023; 15:333-352. [PMID: 37180094 PMCID: PMC10167974 DOI: 10.2147/nss.s266071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is the result of the loss of physiological inhibition of muscle tone during REM sleep, characterized by dream-enacting behavior and widely recognized as a prodromal manifestation of alpha-synucleinopathies. Indeed, patients with isolated RBD (iRBD) have an extremely high estimated risk to develop a neurodegenerative disease after a long follow up. Nevertheless, in comparison with PD patients without RBD (PDnoRBD), the occurrence of RBD in the context of PD (PDRBD) seems to identify a unique, more malignant phenotype, characterized by a more severe burden of disease in terms of both motor and non-motor symptoms and increased risk for cognitive decline. However, while some medications (eg, melatonin, clonazepam, etc.) and non-pharmacological options have been found to have some therapeutic benefits on RBD there is no available treatment able to modify the disease course or, at least, slow down the neurodegenerative process underlying phenoconversion. In this scenario, the long prodromal phase may allow an early therapeutic window and, therefore, the identification of multimodal biomarkers of disease onset and progression is becoming increasingly crucial. To date, several clinical (motor, cognitive, olfactory, visual, and autonomic features) neurophysiological, neuroimaging, biological (biofluids or tissue biopsy), and genetic biomarkers have been identified and proposed, also in combination, as possible diagnostic or prognostic markers, along with a potential role for some of them as outcome measures and index of treatment response. In this review, we provide an insight into the present knowledge on both existing and future biomarkers of iRBD and highlight the difference with PDRBD and PDnoRBD, including currently available treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Figorilli
- Sleep Disorder Research Center, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mario Meloni
- IRCCS, Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lanza
- Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Clinical Neurophysiology Research Unit, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Elisa Casaglia
- Sleep Disorder Research Center, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Rosamaria Lecca
- Sleep Disorder Research Center, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Patrizia Congiu
- Sleep Disorder Research Center, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Monica Puligheddu
- Sleep Disorder Research Center, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Thirusangu VP, Sinha SK. Effect of Electrode Montage on 500-Hz Tone Burst Evoked Masseter Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential. Am J Audiol 2022; 31:403-410. [PMID: 35537126 DOI: 10.1044/2022_aja-22-00016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Masseter vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) are short-latency myogenic responses obtained in response to electric or acoustic stimulation. It is a relatively newer test that helps assess the vestibulo-trigeminal pathway, thereby gaining more interest in brainstem pathologies like Parkinsonism, multiple sclerosis, and idiopathic random eye movement disorders. The purpose of the study was to compare the effect of zygomatic versus mandibular reference montage on the latency and amplitude of masseter VEMP (mVEMP) using a 500-Hz tone burst stimulus. METHOD Twenty healthy participants in the age range of 18-29 years, with no complaints of vestibular signs and symptoms, were recruited for the study. VEMP was recorded for all the participants using 500-Hz tone burst stimuli in zygomatic electrode montage and mandibular electrode montage. mVEMP was recorded in both ipsilateral and contralateral modes. RESULTS The Wilcoxon signed-ranks test revealed no significant difference between the zygomatic and mandibular montage for both the latency and amplitude parameters (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS This study revealed no significant difference in p11 and n21 latencies as well as p11-n21 rectified amplitude between zygomatic and mandibular montage using a 500-Hz tone burst stimulus in young adults. Hence, utilizing a 500-Hz tone burst, mVEMP can be recorded in zygomatic and mandibular electrode montage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sujeet Kumar Sinha
- Department of Audiology, All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysuru
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Sangu Srinivasan V, Rangappan Munirathinam B, Singh NK, Rajalakshmi K. Usefulness of masseter vestibular evoked myogenic potentials in identifying brainstem dysfunction among individuals with multiple sclerosis. Int J Audiol 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2022.2065548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Niraj Kumar Singh
- Department of Audiology, All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysuru, India
| | - Krishna Rajalakshmi
- Department of Audiology, All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysuru, India
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Neurophysiological Aspects of REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD): A Narrative Review. Brain Sci 2021. [PMID: 34942893 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11121588.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
REM sleep without atonia (RSWA) is the polysomnographic (PSG) hallmark of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD), a feature essential for the diagnosis of this condition. Several additional neurophysiological aspects of this complex disorder have also recently been investigated in depth, which constitute the focus of this narrative review, together with RSWA. First, we describe the complex neural network underlying REM sleep and its muscle atonia, focusing on the disordered mechanisms leading to RSWA. RSWA is then described in terms of its polysomnographic features, and the methods (visual and automatic) currently available for its scoring and quantification are exposed and discussed. Subsequently, more recent and advanced neurophysiological features of RBD are described, such as electroencephalography during wakefulness and sleep, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and vestibular evoked myogenic potentials. The role of the assessment of neurophysiological features in the study of RBD is then carefully discussed, highlighting their usefulness and sensitivity in detecting neurodegeneration in the early or prodromal stages of RBD, as well as their relationship with other proposed biomarkers for the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of this condition. Finally, a future research agenda is proposed to help clarify the many still unclear aspects of RBD.
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Figorilli M, Lanza G, Congiu P, Lecca R, Casaglia E, Mogavero MP, Puligheddu M, Ferri R. Neurophysiological Aspects of REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD): A Narrative Review. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11121588. [PMID: 34942893 PMCID: PMC8699681 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11121588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
REM sleep without atonia (RSWA) is the polysomnographic (PSG) hallmark of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD), a feature essential for the diagnosis of this condition. Several additional neurophysiological aspects of this complex disorder have also recently been investigated in depth, which constitute the focus of this narrative review, together with RSWA. First, we describe the complex neural network underlying REM sleep and its muscle atonia, focusing on the disordered mechanisms leading to RSWA. RSWA is then described in terms of its polysomnographic features, and the methods (visual and automatic) currently available for its scoring and quantification are exposed and discussed. Subsequently, more recent and advanced neurophysiological features of RBD are described, such as electroencephalography during wakefulness and sleep, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and vestibular evoked myogenic potentials. The role of the assessment of neurophysiological features in the study of RBD is then carefully discussed, highlighting their usefulness and sensitivity in detecting neurodegeneration in the early or prodromal stages of RBD, as well as their relationship with other proposed biomarkers for the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of this condition. Finally, a future research agenda is proposed to help clarify the many still unclear aspects of RBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Figorilli
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari and AOU Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (M.F.); (P.C.); (R.L.); (E.C.); (M.P.)
- Sleep Disorders Center, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Asse Didattico E., SS 554 Bivio Sestu, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lanza
- Clinical Neurophysiology Research Unit, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, Italy;
- Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Patrizia Congiu
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari and AOU Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (M.F.); (P.C.); (R.L.); (E.C.); (M.P.)
- Sleep Disorders Center, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Asse Didattico E., SS 554 Bivio Sestu, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Rosamaria Lecca
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari and AOU Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (M.F.); (P.C.); (R.L.); (E.C.); (M.P.)
- Sleep Disorders Center, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Asse Didattico E., SS 554 Bivio Sestu, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elisa Casaglia
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari and AOU Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (M.F.); (P.C.); (R.L.); (E.C.); (M.P.)
- Sleep Disorders Center, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Asse Didattico E., SS 554 Bivio Sestu, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria P. Mogavero
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, IRCCS, Scientific Institute of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Monica Puligheddu
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari and AOU Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (M.F.); (P.C.); (R.L.); (E.C.); (M.P.)
- Sleep Disorders Center, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Asse Didattico E., SS 554 Bivio Sestu, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Raffaele Ferri
- Clinical Neurophysiology Research Unit, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0935-936111
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Nguyen TH, Vaussy A, Le Gaudu V, Aboab J, Espinoza S, Curajos I, Heron E, Habas C. The brainstem in multiple sclerosis: MR identification of tracts and nuclei damage. Insights Imaging 2021; 12:151. [PMID: 34674050 PMCID: PMC8531176 DOI: 10.1186/s13244-021-01101-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the 3D Fast Gray Acquisition T1 Inversion Recovery (FGATIR) sequence for MRI identification of brainstem tracts and nuclei damage in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Methods From april to december 2020, 10 healthy volunteers and 50 patients with remitted-relapsing MS (58% female, mean age 36) underwent MR imaging in the Neuro-imaging department of the C.H.N.O. des Quinze-Vingts, Paris, France. MRI was achieved on a 3 T system (MAGNETOM Skyra) using a 64-channel coil. 3D FGATIR sequence was first performed on healthy volunteers to classify macroscopically identifiable brainstem structures. Then, FGATIR was assessed in MS patients to locate brainstem lesions detected with Proton Density/T2w (PD/T2w) sequence. Results In healthy volunteers, FGATIR allowed a precise visualization of tracts and nuclei according to their myelin density. Including FGATIR in MR follow-up of MS patients helped to identify structures frequently involved in the inflammatory process. Most damaged tracts were the superior cerebellar peduncle and the transverse fibers of the pons. Most frequently affected nuclei were the vestibular nuclei, the trigeminal tract, the facial nerve and the solitary tract. Conclusion Combination of FGATIR and PD/T2w sequences opened prospects to define MS elective injury in brainstem tracts and nuclei, with particular lesion features suggesting variations of the inflammatory process within brainstem structures. In a further study, hypersignal quantification and microstructure information should be evaluated using relaxometry and diffusion tractography. Technical improvements would bring novel parameters to train an artificial neural network for accurate automated labeling of MS lesions within the brainstem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thien Huong Nguyen
- Department of Neuro Imaging, C.H.N.O. des Quinze- Vingts, Paris, France.
| | | | - Violette Le Gaudu
- Department of Neuro Imaging, C.H.N.O. des Quinze- Vingts, Paris, France
| | - Jennifer Aboab
- Department of Internal Medicine, C.H.N.O. des Quinze-Vingts, Paris, France
| | - Sophie Espinoza
- Department of Neuro Imaging, C.H.N.O. des Quinze- Vingts, Paris, France
| | - Irina Curajos
- Department of Neuro Imaging, C.H.N.O. des Quinze- Vingts, Paris, France
| | - Emmanuel Heron
- Department of Internal Medicine, C.H.N.O. des Quinze-Vingts, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Habas
- Department of Neuro Imaging, C.H.N.O. des Quinze- Vingts, Paris, France
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Multimodal Evoked Potentials as Candidate Prognostic and Response Biomarkers in Clinical Trials of Multiple Sclerosis. J Clin Neurophysiol 2021; 38:171-180. [PMID: 33958567 DOI: 10.1097/wnp.0000000000000723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
SUMMARY Evoked potentials (EPs) measure quantitatively and objectively the alterations of central signal propagation in multiple sclerosis and have long been used for diagnosis. More recently, their utility for prognosis has been demonstrated in several studies, summarizing multiple EP modalities in a single score. In particular, visual, somatosensory, and motor EPs are useful because of their sensitivity to pathology in the frequently affected optic nerve, somatosensory tract, and pyramidal system. Quantitative EP scores show higher sensitivity to change than clinical assessment and may be used to monitor disease progression. Visual EP and the visual system have served as a model to study remyelinating therapies in the setting of acute and chronic optic neuritis. This review presents rationale and evidence for using multimodal EP as prognostic and response biomarkers in clinical trials, targeting remyelination or halting disease progression in multiple sclerosis.
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Vignesh SS, Singh NK, Rajalakshmi K. Tone Burst Masseter Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials: Normative Values and Test-Retest Reliability. J Am Acad Audiol 2021; 32:308-314. [PMID: 34062608 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1728718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Masseter vestibular evoked myogenic potential (mVEMP) is a recent tool for the assessment of vestibular and trigeminal pathways. Though a few studies have recorded mVEMP using click stimuli, there are no reports of these potentials using the more conventional VEMP eliciting stimuli, the tone bursts. PURPOSE The aim of the study is to establish normative values and determine the test-retest reliability of tone burst evoked mVEMP. RESEARCH DESIGN The research design type is normative study design. STUDY SAMPLE Forty-four healthy participants without hearing and vestibular deficits in the age range of 18 to 50 years participated in the study. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS All participants underwent mVEMP testing using 500 Hz tone-burst stimuli at 125 dB peSPL. Ten participants underwent second mVEMP testing within 1 month of the initial testing to estimate the test-retest reliability. RESULTS Tone burst mVEMP showed robust responses in all participants. There were no significant ear and sex differences on any mVEMP parameter (p > 0.05); however, males had significantly higher EMG normalized peak-to-peak amplitude than females. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values of tone burst mVEMP showed excellent test-retest reliability (ICC >0.75) for ipsilateral and contralateral p11 latency, ipsilateral EMG normalized p11-n21 peak to peak amplitude, and amplitude asymmetry ratio. Fair and good test-retest reliability (0.4 < ICC > 0.75) was observed for ipsilateral and contralateral n21 latency, contralateral EMG normalized peak-to-peak amplitude, and amplitude asymmetry ratio. CONCLUSION Tone burst mVEMP is a robust and reliable test for evaluating the functional integrity of the vestibulomasseteric reflex pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangu Srinivasan Vignesh
- Department of Neurology, Tamil Nadu Government Multi Super Speciality Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Niraj Kumar Singh
- Department of Audiology, All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
| | - Krishna Rajalakshmi
- Department of Audiology, All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
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Puligheddu M, Figorilli M, Serra A, Laccu I, Congiu P, Tamburrino L, de Natale ER, Ginatempo F, Deriu F, Loi G, Fantini ML, Schenck CH, Ferri R. REM Sleep without atonia correlates with abnormal vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials in isolated REM sleep behavior disorder. Sleep 2020; 42:5532726. [PMID: 31310647 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsz128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 04/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES The neurophysiological hallmark of REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is loss of atonia during REM sleep. Indeed, signs and symptoms of neurodegeneration can occur after years, even decades, from its beginning. This study aimed to measure neurophysiological alterations of the brainstem that potentially correlate with the severity of atonia loss, and determining whether a prodromal neurodegenerative disorder underlines this condition when it occurs as an isolated condition (iRBD). METHODS Subjects with iRBD and matched healthy controls were recruited. The study included the recording of one-night polysomnography, vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs), and a [123I]-FP-CIT dopamine transporter (DAT) scan. The quantification of REM sleep without atonia (RSWA) was made according to two previously published manual methods and one automated method. RESULTS The rate of alteration of VEMPs and VEMP score were significantly higher in iRBD patients than controls. Moreover, VEMP score was negatively correlated with the automated REM atonia index; a marginal statistical significance was also reached for the positive correlation with the visual tonic electromyographic parameter, while the other correlations, including that with DAT-scan score were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Brainstem neurophysiology in iRBD can be assessed by VEMPs and their alterations may possibly indicate an early expression of the neurodegenerative process underlying this disorder at the brainstem level, which awaits future longitudinal confirmation. The correlation between RSWA and VEMP alteration might also represent a prodromal aspect anticipating the possible evolution from iRBD to neurodegeneration, whereas DAT-scan abnormalities might represent a later step in this evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Puligheddu
- Sleep Disorder Research Center, Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Michela Figorilli
- Sleep Disorder Research Center, Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Serra
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Ilaria Laccu
- Sleep Disorder Research Center, Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Patrizia Congiu
- Sleep Disorder Research Center, Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Ludovica Tamburrino
- Sleep Disorder Research Center, Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | | | - Franca Deriu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Loi
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Livia Fantini
- EEG and Sleep Unit, Neurology Department, CHU Clermont Ferrand, University of Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Carlos H Schenck
- Minnesota Regional Sleep Disorders Center and Departments of Psychiatry, Hennepin County Medical Center and University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Raffaele Ferri
- Sleep Research Centre, Department of Neurology IC, Oasi Research Institute - IRCCS, Troina, Italy
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The vestibulo-masseteric reflex and the acoustic-masseteric reflex: a reliability and responsiveness study in healthy subjects. Exp Brain Res 2020; 238:1769-1779. [PMID: 32280998 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-020-05804-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The vestibulo-masseteric reflex (VMR or p11 wave), the acoustic-masseteric reflex (AMR or p1/n21 wave) and the mixed vestibulo-cochlear p11/n21 potential are responses of masseter muscles to sound that can be employed to evaluate brainstem function. This study was aimed at establishing the test-retest reliability and responsiveness of these reflex parameters according to the type of electrode configuration. Twenty-two healthy volunteers (M:F = 11:11; mean age 25.3 ± 5.2 years) participated in two testing sessions separated by one week. Zygomatic and mandibular montages were compared following unilateral and bilateral stimulations. For reliability purposes, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), coefficient of variation of the method error (CVME) and standard error of measurement (SEM) were calculated. The minimal detectable difference (MDD) was also determined as a measure of responsiveness. Both VMR (p11 wave) and AMR could be consistently evoked from test to retest, although the frequency rate was significantly higher (all p values ≤ 0.009) with zygomatic (VMR: 97.7-100%; AMR: 86.9-97.6%) than mandibular montage (VMR: 84.7-89.8%; AMR: 65.0-67.8%), with no significant differences between unilateral and bilateral stimulations. Good-to-excellent reliability and responsiveness (high ICC, low CVME, SEM and MDD scores) were detected for corrected amplitudes and peak latencies for all reflex responses, whereas raw amplitudes were associated to poor reliability. The reliability of the zygomatic montage proved superior to the mandibular montage for all reflex responses. Given their high test-retest consistency and capability to study different features of the reflex arch, both peak latencies and corrected amplitudes should be reported and considered in the interpretation of reflex testing results.
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De Natale E, Ginatempo F, Mercante B, Manca A, Magnano I, Ortu E, Pilurzi G, Melis F, Rothwell J, Deriu F. Vestibulo masseteric reflex and acoustic masseteric Reflex. Normative data and effects of age and gender. Clin Neurophysiol 2019; 130:1511-1519. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2019.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Deriu F, Ginatempo F, Manca A. Enhancing research quality of studies on VEMPs in central neurological disorders: a scoping review. J Neurophysiol 2019; 122:1186-1206. [DOI: 10.1152/jn.00197.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Common pitfalls in vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) recording methods have been extensively outlined by several reviews. Conversely, the robustness of research methodology employed for the design and conduct of VEMP studies has never been appraised. To fill this void, we conducted a scoping review to map and evaluate the overall quality of the existing literature on VEMPs in central neurological disorders. Five databases were searched from inception to October 2018 for case-control studies on multiple sclerosis (MS), cerebellar and/or brainstem strokes, Parkinson's disease (PD), migraine, and tumors of the cerebellopontine angle. Study quality was assessed using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality criteria (AHRQ). The 11-criteria AHRQ scoring system revealed that PD studies achieved a score of 5/11, migraine and cerebellar and/or brainstem stroke a score of 4/11, MS and tumors of the cerebellopontine angle a score of 3/11. Age was found to be one of the main sources of case-control imbalance: compared with controls, cases were significantly older with a 3.6-yr difference in MS studies, 6 yr in PD, up to 12 yr in stroke and tumors. Regardless of pathological condition, case-control groups were found unmatched also by gender. Post hoc power calculations revealed that 53% of the studies achieved the minimum statistical power of 80%. This scoping review revealed low research quality across the literature on VEMPs in central neurological disorders. Scoping lines are provided on actions to be undertaken in future studies to establish a common methodological platform and enhance the quality of research in this field. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Robust methodology is a prerequisite for any type of research, particularly for observational designs such as those employed in vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) research. On these premises, this scoping review provides methodological guidelines to improve validity, accuracy and consistency of clinical outcomes from VEMP studies involving central nervous system disorders. In fact, the high risk for bias that is inherent to poor methodology threatens the validity of the findings of works that are technically sound but methodologically flawed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franca Deriu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Manca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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de Natale ER, Ginatempo F, Laccu I, Figorilli M, Manca A, Mercante B, Puligheddu M, Deriu F. Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials Are Abnormal in Idiopathic REM Sleep Behavior Disorder. Front Neurol 2018; 9:911. [PMID: 30420831 PMCID: PMC6215837 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To investigate brainstem function in idiopathic REM sleep Behavior Disorder (iRBD), a condition occurring as a result of a derangement of connections within brainstem structures, with a battery of Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMPs), neurophysiological tools suited for the functional investigation of the brainstem. Neurophysiological data were correlated with clinical characteristics of patients. Methods: Twenty patients with iRBD and 22 healthy controls underwent cervical (cVEMP), masseter (mVEMP) and ocular (oVEMP) VEMP recording. Patients were assessed clinically according to presence of motor as well as non-motor symptoms such as constipation, depression, and hyposmia. Also, they were screened for postural instability through the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). VEMPs were categorized as for increasing degrees of abnormalities, namely latency delay, amplitude reduction and absence; a VEMP score was built accordingly. Results: Compared with controls, iRBD had higher rates of abnormalities both in the VEMP battery (iRBD 75%, Controls 23%; p < 0.01) as well as in each single VEMP (cVEMP: 45 vs. 5%; mVEMP: 65 vs. 13.6%; oVEMP: 50 vs. 5%; p < 0.01), which exhibited significantly lower amplitudes (cVEMP and oVEMP: p < 0.0001; mVEMP: p = 0.001) in iRBD. Within altered reflexes, absence was predominant in oVEMP (81%), amplitude reduction in mVEMP (50%) and cVEMP (70%). Severity of VEMP alterations was significantly higher in iRBD compared with controls (p < 0.05 for all VEMPs), as indicated by the larger VEMP scores in the former. The oVEMP score correlated inversely with poor performances on the BBS. Conclusion: VEMPs unveil consistent and extensive brainstem abnormalities in iRBD patients. Further studies are warranted for testing the potential of VEMPs in the monitoring of the evolution of iRBD over time.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ilaria Laccu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Sleep Disorder Research Center, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Michela Figorilli
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Sleep Disorder Research Center, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Andrea Manca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Beniamina Mercante
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Monica Puligheddu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Sleep Disorder Research Center, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Franca Deriu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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Huang S, Fisher JAN, Ye M, Kim YS, Ma R, Nabili M, Krauthamer V, Myers MR, Coleman TP, Welle CG. Epidermal Electrode Technology for Detecting Ultrasonic Perturbation of Sensory Brain Activity. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2017; 65:1272-1280. [PMID: 28858781 DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2017.2713647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aim to demonstrate the in vivo capability of a wearable sensor technology to detect localized perturbations of sensory-evoked brain activity. METHODS Cortical somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) were recorded in mice via wearable, flexible epidermal electrode arrays. We then utilized the sensors to explore the effects of transcranial focused ultrasound, which noninvasively induced neural perturbation. SSEPs recorded with flexible epidermal sensors were quantified and benchmarked against those recorded with invasive epidural electrodes. RESULTS We found that cortical SSEPs recorded by flexible epidermal sensors were stimulus frequency dependent. Immediately following controlled, focal ultrasound perturbation, the sensors detected significant SSEP modulation, which consisted of dynamic amplitude decreases and altered stimulus-frequency dependence. These modifications were also dependent on the ultrasound perturbation dosage. The effects were consistent with those recorded with invasive electrodes, albeit with roughly one order of magnitude lower signal-to-noise ratio. CONCLUSION We found that flexible epidermal sensors reported multiple SSEP parameters that were sensitive to focused ultrasound. This work therefore 1) establishes that epidermal electrodes are appropriate for monitoring the integrity of major CNS functionalities through SSEP; and 2) leveraged this technology to explore ultrasound-induced neuromodulation. The sensor technology is well suited for this application because the sensor electrical properties are uninfluenced by direct exposure to ultrasound irradiation. SIGNIFICANCE The sensors and experimental paradigm we present involve standard, safe clinical neurological assessment methods and are thus applicable to a wide range of future translational studies in humans with any manner of health condition.
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Advances in clinical neurology through the journal "Neurological Sciences" (2015-2016). Neurol Sci 2017; 38:9-18. [PMID: 28093657 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-017-2815-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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