Median mixed and sensory nerve conduction studies in carpal tunnel syndrome

Stephen N. Scelsa, Steven Herskovitz, Phyllis Bieri, Alan R. Berger

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: To assess the sensitivities and specificities of velocity differences between median mixed nerve conduction across the wrist (Medmxpw) and (I) median mixed nerve conduction in the forearm (Medmxf) and (II) palm to D2 sensory conduction (MedpD2). Design and Methods: We prospectively studied 67 limbs of patients with clinically definite carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Medmxf and Medmxpw were performed by stimulating the median nerve at the elbow and palm respectively and recording at the proximal wrist crease. We also compared conventional median sensory (D2-wrist) and mixed (palm-wrist) tests in all patients. Thirty limbs of asymptomatic subjects served as normal controls and 21 limbs of subjects with other neuropathies served as diseased controls; control data was collected prospectively. Results: The sensitivity of the MedpD2-Medmxpw difference (0.87) was significantly greater than that of the Medmxf-Medmxpw difference (0.61, P<0.001). Both tests were similar and highly specific (0.98 and 0.96, respectively). Conclusions: The MedpD2-Medmxpw study is among the most sensitive and specific electrophysiologic tests for CTS. Copyright (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)268-273
Number of pages6
JournalElectroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology - Electromyography and Motor Control
Volume109
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1998

Keywords

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Electrodiagnostic
  • Entrapment neuropathy
  • Median nerve
  • Nerve conduction studies
  • Sensory nerve conductions

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience
  • Clinical Neurology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Median mixed and sensory nerve conduction studies in carpal tunnel syndrome'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this