Design and validation of a novel method for assessment of the neuronal functional integrity of the spinal cord by transcranial electrical stimulation (TES) in horses

Korte beschrijving

Neurological disorders are often encountered in horses, but defining the exact localization and cause of the lesions and the evaluation of the functional damage to the spinal cord is still a challenge for equine clinicians. The most commonly used diagnostic approach starts with a neurological clinical examination, combined with medical imaging. Radiographs, ultrasonography, CT, MRI, and scintigraphy have limited ability to accurately identify abnormalities, let alone, provide clinicians a view on impact on the neuronal functional integrity of the equine patient. “Functional” neurological diagnostic techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and, more recently, transcranial electrical stimulation (TES). The latter of which has not yet been applied for diagnostic use in horses. The application of TMS in horses is a real endeavor with respect to reproducibility. Also, magnetic fields have a much lower penetration potential when compared to electrical currents.