Franco Valzania, Antonio Strafella, Andrea Tropeani, Stefania Nassetti, Guido Rubboli, Carlo A. Tassinari
Department of Neurology, University of Bologna, Bellaria Hospital - Bologna, Italy
December 9, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon, Exhibit Hall B

Rationale:
To investigate cortical excitability in progressive myoclonus epilepsies (PME), by means of polygraphic techniques and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Methods: 12 patients with PME and 8 normal subjects were investigated. TMS was performed by delivering paired magnetic stimuli at interstimulus interval (ISI) ranging from 50 to 200 msec and at stimulus intensity of 10% above threshold. Modulation of the area of the test motor evoked potential (MEP) was expressed as percentage of conditioning MEP (100%). EEG-EMG correlation was performed in 1000 msec epochs by means of a 21 -channel computerized polygraphic system.

Results:
Paired TMS showed a significant facilitation (p)

Conclusions:
Our data demonstrate, in PME, an increased excitability of the motor system, occurring at a supraspinal, cortical level.