Two-segment sural nerve conduction measurements in polyneuropathy

Sensory conduction velocity of the sural nerve was measured in 50 normal subjects and 100 consecutive patients with suspected or established diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy. The sensory action potential was recorded by the orthodromic technique for the distal and the proximal segments. In the patient group, sensory conduction of the proximal segment appeared to be more consistent and easier to carry out as compared to the distal segment. Measurements of the latter segment alone could sometimes be misleading. Some practical points acquired from our experience with this method that allow considerable reduction of the examination time and the patients's discomfort are reported.