title: Peripheral nerves and nerve function in highland Ethiopians.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In Ethiopia, where leprosy has been one of the commonest causes of peripheral nerve enlargement and dysfunction, nerve functions are assessed by a battery of "physical" tests. Voluntary Muscle Test (VMT) and Graded Sensory Skin Test (STG) are standard tests used for persons with leprosy. Normal values for nerve function tests (NFT) in Highland Ethiopians have not previously been determined, but have been taken from standard textbooks. In this study, normal values for NFT were determined by VMT, STG, 2-Point Discrimination Tests both static and moving, and Thermal Threshold Test. Physiological enlargement of right ulnar and radial-cutaneous nerves has been recognised by some leprologists, but we were unable to find written records in the available medical literature.
  
  
  METHODS
  We assessed 236 students and adults aged 10-75 years from Chencha Woreda, an area with low endemicity of leprosy for 25-30 years. Two affected by leprosy were excluded from the analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  NFT thresholds were affected variously by age, exercise and skin factors, domicile and exposure to organo-phosphates. Nerve size was affected by age, gender, exercise, skin fold thickness, body mass index. Exercise related physiological nerve enlargement has been documented.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These data provide a usefull baseline for investigation of peripheral nerve function in highland Ethiopians.
authors: Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
authors: M Elizabeth
authors: ME
authors: Duncan
authors: Stig
authors: S
authors: Hansen
authors: Terefe
authors: T
authors: Tadesse
authors: Elisabeth
authors: E
authors: Bezuneh
authors: Mohammed A
authors: MA
authors: Yassin
authors: Assefa
authors: A
authors: Zeleke
authors: Abebe
authors: A
authors: Solomon
authors: Goran A
authors: GA
authors: Jamal
authors: Mesfin
authors: M
authors: Hunegnaw
authors: Roland
authors: R
authors: Kazen
authors: Abraham
authors: A
authors: Aseffa
authors: Andrew
authors: A
authors: Challis
authors: Wondu
authors: W
authors: Wagaye
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D005002:Ethiopia; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012684:Sensory Thresholds