Journal of clinical neurophysiology : official publication of the American Electroencephalographic Society
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J Clin Neurophysiol · Feb 2012
Test-retest reliability of contact heat-evoked potentials from cervical dermatomes.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the test-retest reliability of contact heat-evoked potentials (CHEPs) in neurologically healthy subjects from cervical dermatomes (C4-C8). Seventeen individuals underwent test-retest examination of cervical CHEPs. Peak latencies and peak-to-peak amplitude of N2-P2 and ratings of perceived intensity were analyzed using test-retest reliability statistics (intraclass correlation coefficients [ICCs] and Bland-Altman confidence parameters). ⋯ Superior peak-to-peak amplitude test-retest reliability was found for CHEPs. In conclusion, the test-retest reliability of dSSEP and CHEP parameters supports the fact that these outcomes can be used to objectively track changes in spinal conduction in the dorsal column and spinothalamic tract, respectively. The reliable acquisition of CHEPs may depend on the intensity of the sensation reported by the subject for a given area of skin stimulated.
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EEG is a popular, low-cost examination used in neurologic and nonneurologic evaluations. Nevertheless, the diagnostic usefulness of EEG has some limitations, and it may increase medical costs. The manifestations of syncope may lead to misdiagnoses, and frequently, it is mislabeled as epilepsy. ⋯ Bilateral slow waves were more prevalent among adults. We conclude that EEG is not useful for evaluating the diagnosis of syncope because of its very low diagnostic yield. Patients with syncope must have a correct history and physical examination plus cardiovascular tests.