Temperature

The maintenance of appropriate subject temperature is essential during nerve conduction studies. Neonates generally have difficulty with temperature homeosta­sis, and low subject temperature may have profound effects on conduction velocities. A skin temperature of 36-37°C produces near-nerve temperatures of 37-38°C and avoids spurious reductions in nerve conduc­tion velocities and prolongation of distal latencies. It is assumed that a 1°C drop in temperature produces a slowing of conduction on the order of 2-3 meters/ second. Every attempt should be made to maintain extremity temperature with infant warmers, heating lamps, or warm blankets.