[Diagnostic possibilities of transcranial magnetic stimulation in diseases of the cervical spine].

We investigated the question as to whether transcranial magnetic stimulation of nerve structures can be used to obtain an objective description of motor impairment in humans with cervical nerve root compression or myelopathies. We were able to show that paresis is correlated with an increase in the latency of the evoked muscle potentials. Application of the method in the fields of orthopaedics and neurosurgery permits a description of motor deficits in cervical compression radiculopathy and myelopathy. Although the value of the method for orthopaedic and neurosurgical purposes is not yet completely clear, our experience does indicate interesting possibilities in the diagnostic evaluation of diseases of the cervical spine.