Movement Releated Cortical Potentials Obtained by Saccadic Eye Movements In Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Background
 Movement-related cortical potentials (MRCPs) are electrophysiological activities that reflect neurological mechanisms that occur in the cortex during the planning of and preparation for movement. We aimed to evaluate the MRCPs that occur due to saccadic eye movement in multiple sclerosis (MS).
 Methods
 Twenty-five patients aged 18–55 years with good cognitive functions who were diagnosed with MS according to the McDonald criteria and scored 0–5 on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) were included. Twenty healthy volunteers in a similar age range also participated. Voluntary horizontal conjugate gaze and MRCPs were recorded and averaged.
 Results
 It was observed that the latency of the Bereitshaftpotential (BP; preparation potential) was longer in the patient group, and the latency values were consistent with the values reported in the literature. The peak-pit (PP) amplitude, which can be regarded as a component of the negative slope (NS) and motor potential (MP), was higher in the patient group and may indicate that the target movement was more difficult for the patient group.
 Conclusion
 Studies on cognitive impairment in MS have generally been conducted using neuropsychological tests. Although we could not obtain a record that corresponded to the typical MRCP pattern reported in the literature, our findings make a contribution to the field of MCRP-based studies by raising new questions about the measurement and use of MRCP values.