Normal nerve conduction values of median and ulnar nerves in the Turkish population

Abstract

Background: Nerve conduction studies (NCS) are an important tool for the diagnosis of neuromuscular diseases. In NCS, factors such as temperature, age, sex, body metrics, and recording technique can affect the values. There are currently no universal normative data. The standardization of NCS is essential for the reliable and consistent identification of pathologic conditions for each laboratory. Aim: We wanted to obtain normal values of our electrophysiology laboratory for the Turkish population. Materials and Methods: The volunteer group consisted of 120 people aged 15–74 years. They were distributed into 12 subgroups according to their age. Each subgroup included five male and five female subjects. Age, sex, weight, height, profession, body mass index, and hand preferences were recorded. Median and ulnar NCS were performed by two experienced clinical neurophysiologists. The skin temperature was corrected to 35.5°C, which was the highest measured value. Results: Age 50 years was used for the cutoff point for nerve conduction velocities (NCVs) because there was no significant difference within the groups aged ≥50 years and <50 years. However, the NCVs of groups aged <50 years and >50 years were significantly different. NCVs and action potential amplitudes were higher in females than males in both age groups. Women had higher NCV values and action potential amplitudes of motor and sensory fibers. Conclusion: Age, temperature, and sex are important factors that affect NCS. We believe this study will provide normal values for future studies, especially in the Turkish population.