Sensory Nerve Conduction Study with Inching Test in Palmar Digital Neuropathy

Intern Med. 2021 Feb 1;60(3):469-472. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.5514-20. Epub 2020 Aug 29.

Abstract

Mild palmar digital neuropathy may be underestimated because selective nerve conduction studies (NCS) of the palmar digital nerve are challenging. We herein report two cases of palmar digital neuropathy. We performed sensory NCS in each finger using the standard approach. Both cases showed a decrease in the amplitude of sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) in the localized finger. Furthermore, the sensory nerve inching test identified the lesion site. When performing NCS in patients with finger sensory impairment, we recommend recording the SNAP in each finger using standard NCS at the wrist, as well as sensory nerve inching testing.

Keywords: nerve conduction study; neuropathy; palmar digital nerve; sensory nerve inching test; trauma.

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials
  • Fingers
  • Humans
  • Neural Conduction*
  • Peripheral Nerves
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases*
  • Wrist