Motor nerve conduction velocity in normal children under 5 years of age

Abstract

Background: Development of peripheral nerves is age dependent. It begins during fetal life and gets completed at around 5 years of age. Conduction velocity of any nerve is determined by myelination, diameter of the fiber, and internodal differences. Since all these three factors are remodeled during normal development of a nerve, motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) varies in different age groups in under-five children. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the MNCV of ulnar, median, and common peroneal nerve during the 1st years of life and to examine correlation between age factor and MNCV in these participants. Materials and Methods: Nerve conduction study was performed prospectively on median, ulnar, and common peroneal nerves with Neuroperfect electromyography/nerve conduction velocity/evoked potential system, and MNCV was measured in 106 normal children under 5 years of age. Results were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Science (17.0) software. Results: There was a steady increase in MNCV of all three nerves from birth to 5 years of age. A significant positive correlation was found between age and MNCV of ulnar, median, and common peroneal nerve. Conclusion: MNCV of nerves of both upper and lower limbs varies significantly with age in children under 5 years of age. Thus, it is essential to have standard values of MNCV for the different age groups of under-five children while conducting nerve conduction studies.