Clinical Research Abstracts of the British Equine Veterinary Association Congress 2015.

Authors: Vanschandevijl K, Nollet H, Vercauteren G, Ducatelle R, Deprez P

Journal: Equine veterinary journal

DOI: 10.1111/evj.12486_31 PubMed: 26375301Log in to save

Summary

# Editorial Summary Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) offers a non-invasive method for assessing spinal cord function by measuring motor evoked potentials (MMEPs), providing clinicians with real-time electrophysiological data about descending motor tract integrity—particularly valuable in cases of suspected spinal cord compression where conventional imaging may not fully capture functional compromise. Although TMS has demonstrated clinical utility in equine cases, the research base linking electrophysiological findings to actual histopathological tissue damage remains sparse, limiting our ability to predict prognosis or interpret test results with confidence. This research aimed to bridge that gap by correlating TMS measurements with microscopic tissue changes in the spinal cord. Understanding these relationships would strengthen our diagnostic approach to neurological cases and help differentiate between reversible functional impairment and permanent structural damage. For practitioners managing horses with ataxia or suspected cervical myelopathy, establishing this correlation could refine case selection for advanced imaging, guide treatment decision-making, and improve prognostic counselling by clarifying what electrophysiological abnormalities actually indicate about tissue viability and recovery potential.

Read the full abstract on PubMed

Practical Takeaways

•TMS is a viable electrophysiological tool for assessing motor pathway function in horses with suspected spinal cord compression
•While TMS shows promise for functional evaluation, practitioners should be aware that results may not fully correlate with underlying tissue pathology
•Further research is needed to establish clinical utility of TMS alongside histopathology for diagnostic decision-making

Key Findings

•Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) successfully elicited motor evoked potentials (MMEPs) in horses with spinal cord compression
•TMS can be used to evaluate functional integrity of descending motor fibres in the equine spinal cord
•Limited correlation data exist between TMS findings and histopathological changes in equine spinal cord disease

Conditions Studied

spinal cord compression

Related References

State-of-the-Art Diagnostic Methods to Diagnose Equine Spinal Disorders, With Special Reference to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Transcranial Electrical Stimulation.

Journée Sanne L, de Meeus d'Argenteuil Constance, De Maré Lorie, Boshuizen Berit, Vanderperren Katrien, Journée Louis H, de Bruijn Marco, Bergmann Wilhelmina, Delesalle Cathérine(2019)Journal of equine veterinary science

Transcranial magnetic stimulation: review of the technique, basic principles and applications.

Nollet H, Van Ham L, Deprez P, Vanderstraeten G(2003)Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)

Walendy Lara, Goehring Lutz Steffen, Zablotski Yury, Weyh Thomas, Matiasek Kaspar, May Anna(2022)Journal of equine veterinary science

Transcranial magnetic stimulation: normal values of magnetic motor evoked potentials in 84 normal horses and influence of height, weight, age and sex.

Nollet H, Deprez P, van Ham L, Dewulf J, Decleir A, Vanderstraeten G(2004)Equine veterinary journal

The use of magnetic motor evoked potentials in horses with cervical spinal cord disease.

Nollet H, Deprez P, Van Ham L, Verschooten F, Vanderstraeten G(2002)Equine veterinary journal