[Use of the F wave for detection of preclinical changes in the peripheral nerves in alcoholics]

Orthodromic conduction in motor fibres and F wave were analysed in the median, ulnar, peroneal and tibial nerves in groups of 30 subjects: one control and one comprising patients with chronic alcoholism without detectable clinically damage to the peripheral nervous system. Abnormalities were demonstrated in both these analysed parameters, but they were more pronounced and were present in a greater proportion of cases in the assessment of the F wave. In the light of these results the determination of this response may be a useful supplementary method in the investigation of peripheral nerves, especially in the stage of preclinical lesions.