What consequence does compression at the radial nerve have in a nerve conduction study?

Compression at the radial nerve typically results in slowed conduction velocity and potentially decreased amplitude in a nerve conduction study. This is primarily due to the impact of compression on the myelinated axons that are responsible for transmitting nerve signals.

When a nerve is compressed, the conduction velocity decreases because the ability of the nerve fibers to conduct impulses is impaired. This is usually a result of demyelination or edema, which disrupts the normal flow of electrical impulses. Additionally, compression can affect the number of functioning nerve fibers, leading to a decreased amplitude in the electrical response measured during the study. This reduced amplitude reflects a lower overall signal from the nerve because fewer fibers are able to effectively transmit the impulse.

In nerve conduction studies, a slower conduction velocity and decreased amplitude are key indicators of nerve dysfunction, making the findings consistent with the expected consequences of compression at the radial nerve.