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F-wave latencies of median nerve in smokers from Southern Rajasthan: A case–control study

Suman Sharma, Naren Kurmi, Manjinder Kaur.




Abstract

Background: Tobacco and its byproducts have hazardous effect on multiple organs of our body including nerves. Long-term exposure to the chemicals found in tobacco smoke results in demyelination of nerve fibers affecting the nerve conduction. F-wave study is a reliable tool to assess the proximal segment of peripheral nerve and has not been studied much.

Aim and Objective: The aim of the study is to measure F-wave latencies in nerve conduction studies in the median nerve in smokers (S) and nonsmokers (NS).

Materials and Methods: The present study recruited normal healthy participants (18–50 years) divided in two groups, namely Group S and Group NS. It was designed to be a cross-sectional case–control study. Median nerve was examined for motor and sensory nerve conduction velocities. The detailed late responses, for example, F-wave latencies including F-minimum latency, F-maximum latency, and F-mean latency were studied, and data are analyzed using descriptive statistics and Mann–Whitney test.

Result: A statistically significant increase (P < 0.0001) was found in all F-wave latencies in S as compared to NS.

Conclusion: The present study suggested that long-term exposure to tobacco results in compromised nerve conduction velocities and increases latencies in peripheral nerves. The increased latencies could be attributed to peripheral demyelination or radiculopathy.

Key words: Nerve Conduction Study; Smoking; Median Nerve; Late Responses e.g., F-wave






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