Neurographic studies in hemiplegic patients.

The aim of this investigation was to re-establish the nature of the involvement of the peripheral nervous system after lesions of the central nervous system. An examination of 120 patients with spastic hemiparesis after stroke was performed. The motor conduction velocities, M-response latencies and amplitudes, as well as F-wave latencies were evaluated in median, ulnar, peroneal and tibial nerves. The minimal latency of soleus H-reflex was obtained. Our results revealed normal motor conduction velocities, and distal M-response and H-reflex latencies on the involved side. However the amplitudes of the M-responses were decreased and the latencies of the F-waves prolonged on the spastic side. In conclusion primary axonal degeneration with secondary segmental demyelination, involving predominantly proximal parts of the peripheral nerves, occurs after central nervous system injury.