The diagnostic sensitivity of different F wave parameters.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the relative diagnostic sensitivity of various F wave parameters.


METHODS
Normal values for minimum, mean, and maximum F wave latency, chronodispersion, and persistence in the four major motor nerves were established and systematically applied to at least four separate categories of patients (radiculopathies, polyneuropathies, mononeuropathies, and others). F Waves were studied both isolated and in comparison with other motor nerve conduction parameters.


RESULTS
F Chronodispersion was the most often abnormal parameter, particularly in lumbosacral radiculopathies. Minimum F wave latency was more useful in polyneuropathies. Compared with minimum F wave latency, F chronodispersion was able to identify most additional cases.


CONCLUSIONS
F Wave studies should include minimum F wave latency and chronodispersion.
Department of Neurology, Clinical Neurophysiology, Military Hospital, Ulm/Donau, Germany.
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D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D006801:Humans; D008475:Median Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009431:Neural Conduction / Q000502:physiology; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010543:Peroneal Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013979:Tibial Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014459:Ulnar Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology*