During dorsal column mapping, which type of stimulation is used to assess responses from the spinal cord?

Prepare for the Advanced MEP and SSEP Exam with comprehensive practice quizzes that include multiple choice questions and detailed explanations. Build confidence and test readiness!

During dorsal column mapping, both antidromic and orthodromic stimulation are employed to assess responses from the spinal cord effectively.

Antidromic stimulation involves stimulating the axons of neurons in a direction opposite to the normal flow of neural impulses, which can help evaluate the conduction properties of sensory pathways. It provides valuable information about the integrity of the dorsal column pathways and their ability to transmit sensory information.

Orthodromic stimulation, on the other hand, stimulates the sensory nerve fibers in the direction aligned with normal impulse flow. This is crucial for linking the stimulation to sensory perception, allowing practitioners to observe and measure the response directly from spinal cord pathways to higher processing centers.

Using both types of stimulation ensures a comprehensive understanding of the dorsal column’s function and can help identify potential lesions or abnormalities within various sensory reflex pathways. This combination maximizes the diagnostic utility during mapping procedures.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy