Cranial nerves research in HMSN (CMT)

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Research Abstract from Clin Neurophysiol. Jul 2004

Jul;115(7):1689-1696.

Subclinical cranial nerve involvement in hereditary motor and sensory

neuropathy: a combined conduction study with electrical and magnetic

stimulation.

Kumagai-Eto R, Kaseda Y, Tobimatsu S, Uozumi T, Tsuji S, Nakamura S.

Third Department of Internal Medicine, Hiroshima University School of

Medicine, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-Ku, Hiroshima, Japan.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the electrophysiological findings of clinically

unaffected cranial nerves (facial, accessory and hypoglossal nerves) in

hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy (HMSN).

METHODS: The conduction times of the facial, accessory, and hypoglossal

nerves in 10 patients with HMSN type I (HMSN I), 2 patients with HMSN

Type II (HMSN II), and 20 normal controls were determined. The extra-

and intracranial segments of the cranial nerves were stimulated

electrically and magnetically, respectively. The relationships between

the conduction parameters of the cranial nerves and limb nerves were

analyzed.

RESULTS: In patients with HMSN I, the conduction times of the distal and

proximal segments were significantly prolonged in all 3 cranial nerves.

A positive correlation was found between the conduction parameters of

the cranial nerves and the limb nerves.

CONCLUSIONS: Electrophysiological involvement of the whole segment of

the facial, accessory and hypoglossal nerves is common in patients with

HMSN I without clinical signs of alterations. The degree of conduction

slowing of the facial, accessory, and hypoglossal nerves paralleled that

of limb nerves.