Parameters of Nerve Conduction Study in Korean Elderly Patients

Original Article

J Korean Assoc EMG Electrodiagn Med 2011;13(2):97-102.
Published online December 1, 2011.

Received: 14 July 2011 • Revised: 30 September 2011 • Accepted: 20 October 2011

Abstract

Objectives: Normal value of nerve conduction study (NCV) in elderly patients is not established. To date, only limited information about value of NCV parameter is available. Here we investigated parameter of NCV in elderly patients who are susceptible to peripheral neuropathy. Methods: We enrolled and evaluated 256 patients from February 2004 to May 2011. Patients were grouped by ten years interval and they were under sixty, 60s, 70s and over 80. Parameters of NCV were composed of latency, amplitude and nerve conduction velocity. We performed NCV on motor and sensory nerves in the both upper and lower extremities. Results: Latency tends to be prolonged, amplitude tends to be low and conduction velocity tends to be slow in elderly patients. Especially, there were significant differences between under sixty and seventies group. But, constant changes in different age group were not detected. This is especially true for adults over age 80. Conclusion: This study indicates that NCV parameters in each age group are significantly different. Therefore, more specific value of NCV parameters is essential for elderly patients. Also, we suggest normal value of NCV parameters in Korean elderly patients.

Key Words: Nerve conduction study, Elderly, Latency, Amplitude, Velocity