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Effect of stimulator orientation on F-wave persistence
1Department of Neurology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville 32610-0236, USA.
Muscle & Nerve
|September 15, 1998
Summary
Cathode distal stimulation (CDS) and cathode proximal stimulation (CPS) elicit similar F-wave persistence in most nerves. CDS showed slightly greater F-wave persistence in the median nerve, challenging traditional electrodiagnosis guidelines.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurophysiology
- Electrodiagnosis
Background:
- Traditional electrodiagnosis methods recommend cathode distal stimulation (CDS) for nerve conduction studies.
- However, cathode proximal stimulation (CPS) is often suggested for F-wave assessment due to concerns about anodal block.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether CDS and CPS yield F waves with comparable persistence.
- To evaluate the influence of stimulation site on F-wave characteristics.
Main Methods:
- The study analyzed 657 nerves (median, ulnar, tibial, peroneal) across 225 subjects.
- F-wave persistence was compared between CDS and CPS techniques.
Main Results:
- F-wave persistence was similar between CDS and CPS for most nerves studied.
- The median nerve showed slightly greater F-wave persistence with CDS compared to CPS.
- Stimulator orientation did not significantly impact F-wave persistence in the ulnar, tibial, or peroneal nerves.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest that CDS can be reliably used for eliciting F waves, similar to CPS, particularly in the median nerve.
- This challenges the conventional approach and may simplify electrodiagnostic procedures.