RESUMO
Paralysis induced by a tourniquet is said to be rare and sporadic, reports of cases of tourniquet paralysis are still found. The degree of peripheral nerve involvement following pneumatic tourniquet application was studied in 17 patients undergoing upper limb surgery. Thorough neurological examination and sensory conduction studies of both median and ulnar nerves were performed. The results of the study showed that prompt improvement in the sensory symptoms was observed after removal of the tourniquet. Significant slowing of sensory conduction velocities of both median and ulnar nerves and prolongation of sensory distal latency of the ulnar was observed distal to the site of compression compared to those on the opposite side. However, these values were still within the normal range. No significant difference in the sensory conduction velocities and latencies of both median and unlar nerves were found regarding the size of the cuff and the studied duration and pressure of tourniquet inflation