On the use of upper extremity proximal nerve action potentials in the localization of focal nerve lesions producing axonotmesis

Ulnar, median, and radial proximal nerve action potentials (PNAPs) were recorded from the axilla and supraclavicularly, with stimulation of the nerves at the elbow or the radial groove, in 30 control subjects for each nerve. In addition to routine nerve conduction studies, wrist to elbow median nerve action potentials were recorded proximal to the lesion in 76 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome of varying degrees of severity to determine the effect that the distal lesion might have on more proximal nerve conduction. Utilizing this information, PNAPS, standard nerve conduction studies, and needle electrode examinations were carried out in patients with focal elbow area nerve or brachial plexus lesions producing axonotmesis. PNAPs confirmed the site of the lesions producing axonotmesis when localization was possible with standard nerve conduction and/or needle electrode studies and were the sole means by which localization of the lesions producing only sensory axonotmesis was accomplished.