Understanding My Nerve Conduction Study Results
I'm a 24-year-old male, measuring 5 feet 11 inches and weighing 155 pounds. Recently, I've been experiencing numbness and tingling sensations down the left side of my body, affecting me from my head to my toes. I don’t have any significant medical history leading up to this issue. A neurologist recommended a nerve conduction study for both my upper and lower limbs. During our discussion about the findings, he indicated that there were no major problems detected. However, the report indicates some concerning details: For the upper limbs, the study revealed a prolonged distal latency (DL) for the median sensory nerves, a reduced conduction velocity (CV) for the ulnar nerves at the left elbow, normal conduction velocities for the ulnar nerves at both wrists, and prolonged F waves. In regards to the lower limbs, the results showed prolonged DL for the sural nerves bilaterally, decreased conduction velocities for the tibialis and peroneal nerves, delayed F waves for both tibialis and peroneals, along with extended H reflexes. What could all of this signify? The doctor merely instructed me to continue taking my prescribed medications (Clonazepam 0.5 mg and baby aspirin) and suggested that I consult with a physical therapist. However, I left the appointment without a clear diagnosis or additional guidance. I'm in search of clarity regarding these results and what they might mean for my health.
Answers (1)
8/26/2025, 5:41:35 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel uncertain when faced with complex medical results, especially when experiencing troubling symptoms like numbness and tingling. Your nerve conduction study indicates some abnormalities without major issues detected, which suggests that while there may be some nerve function impairment, it hasn’t reached a level that requires more aggressive medical intervention at this point.
Explanation of Results:
-
Prolonged Distal Latency (DL): This suggests that there may be delays in nerve signal transmission, which can occur due to various reasons including nerve compression or inflammatory conditions.
-
Reduced Conduction Velocity (CV): This indicates that the nerves are transmitting signals more slowly than expected, which can also imply disruption in the normal functioning of the nerves. The left elbow findings could suggest a potential issue such as ulnar nerve entrapment.
-
F Waves: These are indicative of the health of the entire nerve pathway, and their prolongation suggests a delay in signal conduction through the nerve's pathway.
-
Sural & Tibialis/Peroneal Findings: The results from your lower limbs suggest a bilateral issue where nerves may be affected more extensively, possibly indicating a generalized nerve processing or conduction problem.
These findings, combined with your symptoms, could point toward several potential conditions like peripheral neuropathies or even conditions like Multiple Sclerosis or other systemic issues, but it's crucial to understand that the results aren't definitive for these.
Next Steps:
-
Continue Medication: Follow your doctor’s advice regarding your medications. Clonazepam may help manage symptoms related to anxiety or muscle spasms.
-
Consult with a Physical Therapist: This is a valuable step to help improve your mobility and strength. A physical therapist can also provide exercises tailored to your symptoms.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of how your symptoms progress or change over the next few weeks. Note any new sensations, weaknesses, or changes in your daily activities.
-
Follow-Up with Your Neurologist: If your symptoms worsen or if you feel unclear about your current condition, don’t hesitate to reach out to your neurologist for further clarification or additional testing.
-
Lifestyle Modifications: Staying active and maintaining a healthy diet can support nerve health. Focus on well-rounded nutrition, hydration, and gentle physical activity.
If you continue to feel unclear after these steps, consider seeking a second opinion from another neurologist or specialist who might provide further insights into your condition. Your health and peace of mind are paramount.
Related Questions
Experiencing Clear Fluid from Ear with No Discomfort: Should I Wait for My Appointment?
I am a healthy 57-year-old female, weighing 120 pounds and standing 5 feet 5 inches tall. My daily medications include 100 mg of Losartan for effectively managed high blood pressure, 200 mg of Lyrica taken twice daily for post-herpetic neuralgia, 100 mg of Synthroid following treatment for thyroid cancer, and a combination hormone replacement therapy patch. Additionally, I take Zyrtec and Flonase every day to combat allergies. Since October, I have been dealing with persistent tinnitus in my right ear, accompanied by some pressure and a muffled sensation. Recently, I've noticed that when I speak, it feels akin to the sensation I experience when my ears clear during a flight after chewing gum—my voice sounds amplified in my head. I've scheduled an appointment with a physician's assistant in an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) office for the end of March due to my worries about the tinnitus and any potential hearing impairment. Yesterday, I noticed that my ear emitted a clear fluid. Thankfully, there was no associated pain. The fluid was somewhat thicker than water, completely odorless—unlike the unpleasant discharge I recall from my daughter's ear infections—and there was no sign of blood. Could this indicate a perforated eardrum? I suspect this might be the case, but can this occur without an underlying infection? Should I seek attention sooner than my appointment in March? I would prefer to avoid urgent care during flu season; however, if this situation is serious, I am prepared to take precautions and visit.
Understanding the Increased Pain in My Foot While Reclining
At 30 years old, I am nearing the five-week mark since undergoing surgery on my metatarsals. I've encountered a troubling issue: I can’t seem to find comfort when lying down, whether it’s with my foot raised or lying flat. My pain level escalates to a severe 10 out of 10, unless my foot is making contact with the floor or I dangle my leg off the side of the bed so that my toes touch the ground. Is this situation typical for someone in my circumstances? Are there any suggestions that might assist me in getting a better night's sleep?
Assessing My Health Concerns: How Anxious Should I Be?
I’m a 32-year-old woman, weighing 124 pounds and standing at 5 feet 6 inches tall. For over a year, I have been experiencing bright red rectal bleeding. Initially, I attributed this issue to hemorrhoids that developed during my pregnancy two years ago. The bleeding occurs with most of my bowel movements, sometimes happens without one, and on a few occasions, has been enough to stain the toilet bowl significantly. The color of the blood is typically darker than what I observe during a hemorrhoid flare-up. There is a notable family history of bowel cancer on both sides; one family member was diagnosed at age 45, and another at 60. In the past six months, I have encountered several episodes of severe abdominal pain—3 to 4 instances—intense enough to consider a trip to the emergency room. However, the pain usually subsides within about an hour. It’s unusual for me to experience such acute pain, given my high tolerance for discomfort; for example, I once played rugby shortly after dislocating and fracturing my finger. Recently, I mustered the courage to consult with my doctor, who recommended a FIT test, which returned a positive result (30.1). Additionally, I underwent a complete blood test, and aside from having low ferritin levels (7 µg/L), all other results were normal. I have since been referred for a colonoscopy on a two-week waiting list to rule out any possible bowel cancer. Given these circumstances, how concerned should I be? Thank you for your input.
Understanding Possible Seizure Triggers and Recurrence Risks
Health Background: I am a 21-year-old female, standing at 169 cm and weighing 65 kg. Over the past three years, I have been using oral contraceptives. As of this morning, I started taking 25 mcg of levothyroxine along with a weekly vitamin D supplement of 0.266 mg. Recently, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and found to have a vitamin D deficiency that I suspect has existed for the last three years. I do not consume alcohol or smoke, and I can confirm I am not pregnant. Two years ago, I experienced a mild concussion. I currently reside in Spain. A couple of months back, in mid-December, I blacked out twice. The second occurrence took place while I was at the doctor’s office after seeking urgent medical care for the initial incident. Following the second episode, I underwent a CT scan and an EKG, both of which returned normal results. Further tests, as directed by my physician, revealed a critical vitamin D deficiency and hypothyroidism; however, he expressed doubt that either of these conditions led to my loss of consciousness. I was then referred to a neurologist, and I am presently awaiting an appointment. Although the waiting period is lengthy, my doctor indicated that I should receive priority for scheduling, although the exact timeframe remains uncertain. The referral document summarized my events, labeling the second episode (which the physician witnessed) as a potential seizure devoid of tonic-clonic movements—a revelation that took me by surprise. After regaining consciousness, I felt extremely disoriented and terrified, struggling to process what was happening. I have no prior history of seizures, epilepsy, or any related conditions, and there is no known family history of these issues. If this indeed was a seizure, what might have triggered it? Additionally, what is the likelihood of experiencing another one? Since that time, I have not had any further incidents, but I have experienced moments where I felt a sense of impending doom, which I managed to overcome. I intend to wait for the neurologist's evaluation, but the uncertainty surrounding a possible neurological condition is quite distressing. Thank you for any insight you can provide!
Persistent Pain in Right Shoulder and Arm After Lifting
Hello, everyone! I’m a 23-year-old male and have been engaged in weightlifting for several years now. Recently, I’ve been struggling with ongoing discomfort in my right shoulder and arm, which I haven’t been able to accurately identify. The pain manifests during particular movements, especially with lateral raises or when my arm is raised to shoulder level while rotating my wrist. Certain pressing and pulling activities can also provoke this discomfort. Rather than feeling sharp, it’s a deep, nagging sensation that sometimes seems localized in the front area of the shoulder or at the biceps tendon, and at other times it feels more like it’s situated between the shoulder and upper arm. Fortunately, there’s no numbness or tingling involved. This issue began while I was working out. I decided to take a break for around two months, but when I returned, the pain persisted. After consulting a physician, I was diagnosed with bicipital tendinitis. Since then, I’ve reduced my upper-body workouts, completely steering clear of shoulder exercises and heavy lifting, and have begun a gentle rehabilitation regimen focusing on external rotations, pendulum movements, and scapular exercises. Despite adhering to this routine for about a week, I haven’t experienced any noticeable improvement. Is it typical for this type of tendon injury to require an extended period for recovery? At what point should I consider diagnostic imaging, such as an ultrasound or MRI? Additionally, are there frequent rehabilitation errors that might impede the healing process? I appreciate your insights in advance!