Evaluation of the Collision Technique for Estimating Nerve Conduction Velocity Distribution

Abstract

The use of the collision technique for estimating nerve conduction velocity distribution (CVD) is assessed in this paper. Simulations were run in MATLAB and experiments were performed on six healthy human subjects. Since the estimator is intended for use in determining the severity of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), the estimator must be able to distinguish between different unexpected CVDs and healthy ones. Simulations were run to determine the performance of the estimator for different CVDs. According to the literature, slowing of nerve conduction velocity (CV) can occur in the case of CTS, due to demyelination. A simulation was performed to evaluate the bias of the estimator in the case of slowing, and to compare these estimates with those of another CVD estimator (the 2-CNAP deconvolution method) for the same CVDs and slowing effects. The effect of random noise interfering with the recorded signals was tested in the simulation, and is compared to the amplitude of the noise that was seen in the experimental signals. Data and results from experiments are discussed in light of the simulation results.