Does low-intensity helium-neon laser irradiation alter sensory nerve active potentials or distal latencies?

The effect of 1 mW helium neon continuous-wave (0.633 microns) laser irradiation on superficial radical sensory and median sensory nerve function was examined in a double-blind, controlled study involving 40 volunteers. No differences in action potential amplitudes, distal latencies, or forearm skin temperatures were found between the treated and control groups either at the time of irradiation or at subsequent evaluations 15 and 30 minutes later. As a result, we are unable to confirm reports that low-energy lasers of this power and wavelength alter nerve function.