Slowing of nerve conduction velocity in hemiplegia: possible factors
Takebe, K.; Narayan, M.G.; Kukulka, C.; Basmajian, J.V.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 56(7): 285-289
1975
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-9993 PMID: 1147746 Document Number: 90560
A study of nerve conduction velocities in ulnar and peroneal nerves bilaterally in 27 hemiplegic patients revealed a statistically significant slowing in the affected limbs compared with the unaffected limbs, and a slowing of both compared with the standards for completely normal subjects. These results suggest that the upper motor lesion affects the function of the lower motor neuron. Proposed causes include a demonstrated lower skin temperature, a possible atrophic thinning of the fibers and other less plausible factors.