Abnormal SSEP - Anyone explain what this means?

[missy142]

To anyone with abnormal SSEP results,

I have abnormal SSEP results upper and lower due to cord compression as per my neurologist. Gave me results last night (calls after 10pm, geez) anyway at that point im not asking too many questions about the results, too hard on the phone.

Im sure there are alot of people on here who have abnormal  SSEP due to MS from lesion and mine compression, different reason but same result.  Can someone explain what this means and what the problems of this would be.  I have difficulty walking.  I have compresson at neck and thoracic area.  Should this test have told from what area its coming?  

thank you
missy

[PastorDan]

Thank you again, missy.   Best wishes to all.

[rendean]

Thank you for the well wishes. I wish the same for you and hope with such good quality doctors within close proximity that you find your answers and good health soon!

Ren

[missy142]

Thanks Ren and Pastor again for your comments.

Pastor Ive read some of your posts in the past and much like many people on here it seems a real difficulty in trying to determine what is the answer to your maladies.  I fortunately or unfortunately pretty much know whats wrong, as far as my injuries go. Unfortunately I dont know how things are going to decline or not inthe future.  I could live with that I suppose if surgery wasnt always looming over my head, that is my greatest fear, not a big fan of it..  

I   am and have been doing everything to avoid it, however when myelopathy set in um im not sure how long I can live with it if it gets worse, nor do I now the damage I amy be doing to my nerves and cord.  I think the zanaflex is just a bandaid.  

I am having a Cervical flex/extension MRI on tuesday to see if I am further compressing my cord when I flex/exten. my neck.  I want to start PT, neurologist says no, not until he sees this.

I have to say the one thing I do feel fortunate about is living in NY. I live on Long Island and am about 25 miles outside midtown manhattan. Before I left my job in October I was working right by the UN building.  So my point being is im grateful to have the access and I guess quickness to everything.  I really dont have to wait for anything, which from reading many posts especially those folks outside the US who wait forever just to see a neurologist or have an MRI is like inconceiveable to me, I feel great compassion for them.

Pastor Dan and Ren, I wish you both good luck also of course in your quest for answers and good health.

missy

[rendean]

Happy to help. It's good to hear that the Zanaflex worked so well. I hope you can get your docs to answer the specifics and long term effects of your compression.

Best wishes,
Ren

[PastorDan]

Asked the hospital's Customer Service rep today if she could figure out whether the left hand knew what the right one was doing, and if there was a good reason not to retry my SSEP, assuming that there was once good reason to order it.  Gave her an earful on a half dozen topics, actually.  Hope you find answers more easily than I've been lately.

[missy142]

You are a doll to find this for me thanks so much.  I just read it, Quix does a great job describing the SSEP. I am familiar with EMG/NCS as Ive had those too.

I know my myelopathy, spacticity of my legs is due to the cord compression.

I would like to further find out how this abnormality will effect me in the long run.  Will the spasticity wax and wan or get worse, just kind of what will this mean for me you know?  I will have to discuss with my doctors when I can get their ears for more than a few minutes.

I started on Zanaflex last week when I couldnt walk again and I am walking normal again much faster than the last 2 attacks, very frightening and scary, I look like I have Cerebral Palsy it gets so bad:(

Thanks again, so sweet of you to find that.

missy

[rendean]

I found this link in the archives, an explanation about NCS and SSEP.

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Multiple-Sclerosis/The-Difference-Between-a-NCS-and-an-SSEP/show/692124

Hope it helps,
Rem

[missy142]

Anyone with abnormal SSEP tests out there? going once, twice...

[missy142]

Bump,

Surely some people have had this test, thanks for any input please.

missy

[missy142]

Hi,

thanks, yes I pretty much know that about interrupted or slow signals if you will, but was wondering about a little more. What are the potential future problems with this being abnormal,  and prolonged, wondering if can be "reversed" without surgery, what is the intervention?  Aso I dont believe so, but can point of compression be figured out? (I have a couple)   I will ask my neurologist when I have more time to speak with him and not at 10:45 at night after ive taken medication.

If anyone else knows more about this test, please let me know

thanks
missy

[PastorDan]

Hi, missy.  I had the VEP and SSEP in succession one morning.  The VEP was described as normal, but my SSEP report said that there were no discernible waveforms detected, or something meaningless like that; I forget the exact wording, but they basically told me that the results could not be interpreted due to what seemed to be a technical problem.  The general and MS neuros both said they see no reason to retry; the tests were ordered by the MS center's nurse practitioner.  She's among the few I've seen who seem to listen and think without making up their minds before I even describe all my problems, whereas these two neuros always seem to be in a hurry.  The general neuro is named Quick.  No kidding.

Anyway, I think that the results you describe tell us that the signals aren't getting through from the brain to the extremities and back.  This makes sense if there is compression of the nerve pathway somewhere along its' length.  It might also explain why you could have trouble making those limbs move the way you want them to move.  (Add the typical "I'm not a doctor" disclaimers here, please.)  I hope this makes sense and answers your question.

[missy142]

Yes I hope so, im sure there have been alot of people who have had them with positive results, I would like to know the significance.

[Wobbly]

Hi missy...I've never had one...not even sure what they are...

hope other join in and let you know..
take care

wobbly
undx