Significance of nerve conduction velocity and H-reflex in the diagnosis of chronic alcoholic peripheral neuropathy

Objective:To explore the diagnostic value of nerve conduction velocity(NCV)and H-re- flex in patients with chronic alcoholic peripheral neuropathy.Methods:NCV and H-reflex were examined in 50 patients with chronic alcoholic peripheral neuropathy(the patients group)and other 50 healthy sub- jects(the control group).NCV of the madian,ulnar,peroneal and tibial nerves were measured and H-re- flex was elicited by electromyography Results:A significant difference of NCV and H-reflex was noted between the patient's group and the control group.H-reflex and SCV were more sensitive than MCV. The abnormality rate of NCV and H-reflex in the patient's group was 70% and 92%.The abnormality rate of NCV in lower limbs was higher than that in upper limbs,and SCV was higher than that of MCV .Conclusions:Electromyography might be one of reliable and sensitive diagnostic measures of chronic al- coholic peripheral neuropathy on the early stage.