Ulnar and median nerves in paucibacillary leprosy--a follow-up study of electrophysiological functions in patients before and after nerve trunk decompression.

Abstract

Electrophysiological functions of ulnar and median nerves in paucibacillary leprosy patients were studied. Patients who showed deterioration of sensory motor functions in spite of steroid therapy were offered nerve decompression together with oral steroids. On periodic follow-up of those who opted for surgery, it was observed, in general, that NCV and amplitude remained reduced even though clinical recovery occurred. Only 80% recovery of electrophysiological functions was seen (as compared to control levels), even in cases that showed good results. Motor function recovered better than sensory function. Complete electrophysiological recovery, if it occurs at all, takes much longer than clinical recovery.

• Authors: Sajid Husain, Anil Kumar, V S Yadav, G N Malaviya
• Journal: Leprosy review (Lepr Rev) Vol. 74 Issue 4 Pg. 374-82 (Dec 2003) ISSN: 0305-7518 [Print] England
• PMID: 14750583 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Cohort Studies
• Decompression, Surgical
• Electrophysiology (methods)
• Female
• Humans
• Leprosy (complications, surgery)
• Male
• Median Nerve (physiopathology, surgery)
• Middle Aged
• Nerve Compression Syndromes (diagnosis, etiology, surgery)
• Peripheral Nervous System Diseases (diagnosis, etiology, surgery)
• Retrospective Studies
• Risk Assessment
• Sensitivity and Specificity
• Treatment Outcome
• Ulnar Nerve (physiopathology, surgery)