Evaluation of sternocleidomastoid muscle cutaneous silent period in patients with cervical dystonia

Purpose: The aim of this study to examine the in changes inhibitory interneurons brainstem, which are likely be involved pathophysiology cervical dystonia, using cutaneous silent period(SP) method is an inhibitor reflex.
 Materials and Methods: SP latency interval values were obtained from bilateral sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscles individuals 20 patients with dystonia 25 healthy volunteers superficial electrodes. parameters compared within between groups. Furthermore, intra-individual correlation analysis was performed for SCMs both groups.
 Results: mean age participating 49.3 ± 14.7, control group 48.0 13.7. There no statistically significant difference two groups terms gender. No found comparison a strong latencies patient It determined that strongly positive intervals also continued group, whereas at disappeared.
 Conclusion: loss SCM durations indicates abnormality interneuron connections, thought present may actually order. This “disorganization” explain discrepancies results studies patients.