Movement-related cortical potentials in patients with cerebellar degeneration.

We studied the topographic distribution of scalp-recorded, averaged movement-related cortical potentials occurring immediately before and after the onset of voluntary movements in six patients with cerebellar degenerative disease. We placed 26 electrodes on the scalp overlying the sensorimotor area and recorded cortical potentials related to abduction of the index finger. The amplitudes and latencies of the potentials were normal in all patients except two, in whom the negative slope (NS') was absent. All patients had an abnormal topographic pattern of potentials compared with normal subjects. The initial slope of motor potential (isMP), which was focal and contralateral in the normal subjects, was diffuse and bilateral in the patients. The topography of the frontal peak of motor potential (fpMP) was more posterior in the patients than in normal subjects. The patterns found in this preliminary study indicate a derangement of sensorimotor cortex activity in voluntary movement as a consequence of cerebellar dysfunction.