Characteristics of the motor nerve conduction and F wave in patients with definite amyotrophic lateral sclerosis / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To characterize the changes of motor nerve conduction velocity (MCV) and F wave in patients with definite amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (DALS) as related to the duration and severity of the disease. Methods A total of 46 patients with DALS were recruited for the ALS group and 35 healthy adults for the control group. MCV and F wave were examined with median, ulnar, tibial and peroneal nerves in all the patients and compared with those in the controls. Results It was found that the distal motor latencies (DML) and MCV of the median, ulnar, tibial and peroneal profundus nerves in the ALS group were all significantly delayed as compared to those in the control group. The F wave occurrence frequency was lower, the central latencies as well as its side-to-side difference of the F wave in the 4 nerves were significantly longer in the ALS group than those in the control group. For those with more severe conditions, their central latencies of F wave and DML in the 4 nerves of ALS patients were significantly longer, and the MCV were significantly slower than those with milder conditions. A 3-year of follow-up of the patient revealed that there were progressive delay in DML and F wave central latencies, as well as a progressive decrease in MCV or CAMP amplitude. Conclusion The duration and severity of ALS has significant effects on the MCV and F wave of nerves in the upper and lower limbs. MCV and F wave can be used as valuable electrodiagnostic tools for DALS.