A study links broader sensory-cortex excitability with shorter survival in sporadic ALS
Original source
Sensory Cortical Hyperexcitability in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Involves a Broad Hand Representation Within the Primary Somatosensory Cortex. (opens in a new tab)Compass summarised this from the study's abstract.
Study details
- Studied in
- Human
Population inferred from the title and abstract by Compass.
A retrospective study found larger sensory-evoked responses from both the median and ulnar nerves in people with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) than in healthy controls. Larger responses from either nerve were independently associated with shorter survival. The findings suggest that abnormal sensory-cortex activity may extend across the hand area, but they do not establish a treatment or change in care.
Why this matters
The results may help researchers assess sensory-cortex activity as a possible electrophysiological marker of prognosis in sporadic ALS. This is an association from one retrospective study, not evidence that changing sensory-cortex activity would improve survival or that the test should guide treatment now.
Limitations and context
The study retrospectively analysed 99 people with sporadic ALS and 42 healthy controls. It examined associations with survival, so it cannot show that sensory-cortex hyperexcitability causes shorter survival. The findings still need confirmation in other populations and prospective studies before the measurements can be used routinely for prognosis or treatment decisions.