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An automated technique for measuring the recovery cycle of human nerves
Author(s) -
Stys Peter K.,
Ashby Peter
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
muscle and nerve
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.025
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1097-4598
pISSN - 0148-639X
DOI - 10.1002/mus.880130814
Subject(s) - refractory period , neuroscience , nerve conduction velocity , latency (audio) , electrophysiology , peripheral , action potential , microneurography , compound muscle action potential , sensory system , medicine , biology , anesthesia , computer science , blood pressure , telecommunications , baroreflex , heart rate
Action potentials conducted along a nerve fiber leave in their wake consistent alterations in excitability, including the absolute and relative refractory periods, a supernormal period (SNP) and a late phase of subnormality. We describe an automated technique for reliably determining the recovery cycle of human sensory nerve fibers bydelivering series of paried stimuli and precisely measuring the latencies (to within 0.5 μsec) of the compound action potentials. Therecovery cycle can be compiled from the differences in latency between the two responses of a pair. Consistent changes in conduction velocity are demonstrated during each phase of altered excitability. Possible physiological mechanisms underlying the recovery cycle are discussed, and the effects of cold, ischemia, prior tetanization and subcutaneous lidocaine are presented. This technique may prove to be a useful and more sensitive tool for the study of certain disorders of peripheral nerves.