Sensory Conduction Parameters in Hypothyroidism: A Cross Sectional Study

ABSTRACT

Background: Thyroid hormones play critical roles in differentiation, growth, and metabolism. Thyroid hormone play important role in development of Central Nervous System and in myelination of neurons. hypothyroidism is a chronic and insidious disease caused by failure of thyroid hormone production mostly due to inflammation, thyroidectomy, use of I131, and anti-hyperthyroidism drugs. Involvement of Peripheral nerve is frequent in hypothyroid patients. Objective of study To evaluate the dysfunction of Sensory Nerve in Hypothyroid patients. Methods: 30 patients of hypothyroidism were included in the study, detailed history and clinical examination was performed. 30 normal subjects were included as control. Nerve Conduction Studies were performed in neurophysiology lab of Physiology dept of JNMC Aligarh. Results: While comparing the Sensory Nerve Conduction velocity of Median nerves between the two groups, the Sensory NCV of right Median (44.59±8.39) is found to be significantly decreased in hypothyroid subjects. While comparing the Sensory latency of Median nerve between the two groups, the latency of right median nerve (3.69±.69), left median nerve (3.43±.80) is significantly increased bilaterally in hypothyroid subjects. Conclusion: Hypothyroidism is a definite cause of neuropathy, it affects sensory nerves first than motor nerves. We suggest performing electrophysiological studies in hypothyroid patients, even asymptomatic patients in an early course of disease. So we can prevent the progression of neuropathy