Nerve action potential changes associated with proved lumbosacral root compression
Wexler, I.
Electromyography and Clinical Neurophysiology 19(5): 483-491
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0301-150X PMID: 527550 Document Number: 148420
Data is presented on 40 patients with proved lumbosacral radiculopathy. Conduction measurements on the peroneal (31 patients) on tibial (9 patients) mixed motor-sensory nerves showed considerable blunting or fragmentation of the compound nerve action potential (CNAP) in the symptomatic limb. CNAP amplitude and duration tended to be lower and longer, respectively, on the symptomatic side but velocity was only slightly affected. Changes in the configuration of the peroneal or tibial CNAP can be used, together with routine electromyography, to improve diagnostic accuracy in suspected cases of lumbosacral radiculopathy.