Abstract
A method of obtaining pure sensory nerve conduction velocities in the lower extremities is described. This involves the use of electronic summation (signal averaging). Potentials were obtained and velocities calculated from all normal subjects examined. In patients with peripheral neuropathies it was often possible to obtain nerve velocities with signal amplitudes as low as 0·1 μV and these were often slower than those obtained from the normal subjects. The advantages and disadvantages of this method are discussed. It is of significant clinical value in that pure sensory nerve conduction velocities can be measured in the legs when this may be the only valuable parameter in the absence of motor involvement. In addition, investigation of neuropathies at an earlier stage of development and recovery may be facilitated. It is hoped that in the future this technique of obtaining low amplitude responses with an analogue averager can be incorporated with the more routine aspects of nerve conduction testing when clinically indicated.
Full text
PDF
Selected References
These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.
- Behse F., Buchthal F. Normal sensory conduction in the nerves of the leg in man. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 1971 Aug;34(4):404–414. doi: 10.1136/jnnp.34.4.404. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Cape C. A. Sensory nerve action potentials of the peroneal, sural and tibial nerves. Am J Phys Med. 1971 Oct;50(5):220–229. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- DOWNIE A. W., NEWELL D. J. Sensory nerve conduction in patients with diabetes mellitus and controls. Neurology. 1961 Oct;11:876–882. doi: 10.1212/wnl.11.10.876. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- DiBenedetto M. Sensory nerve conduction in lower extremities. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 1970 May;51(5):253–passim. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Liberson W. T., Gratzer M., Zalis A., Grabinski B. Comparison of conduction velocities of motor and sensory fibers determined by different methods. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 1966 Jan;47(1):17–23. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Mavor H., Atcheson J. B. Posterior tibial nerve conduction. Velocity of sensory and motor fibers. Arch Neurol. 1966 Jun;14(6):661–669. doi: 10.1001/archneur.1966.00470120093012. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- PRESWICK G., JEREMY D. SUBCLINICAL POLYNEUROPATHY IN RENAL INSUFFICIENCY. Lancet. 1964 Oct 3;2(7362):731–732. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(64)92548-6. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Shiozawa R., Mavor H. In vivo human sural nerve action potentials. J Appl Physiol. 1969 May;26(5):623–629. doi: 10.1152/jappl.1969.26.5.623. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]