The use of electrophysiology for the assessment of diabetic neuropathy

Whole nerve electrophysiology can provide a battery of objective, reliable and specific measures that are sensitive to the progression of diabetic symmetrical polyneuropathy (DSPN). However, under standard conditions, these measures index limited aspects of neural activity, and then only in large diameter, myelinated axons. Nerve conduction is not synonymous with "nerve function." Electrophysiologic measures can be influenced by a variety of factors with different time courses of action and with different sensitivities to manipulation. The value of whole nerve electrophysiology must be based on a firm appreciation of the strengths and limitations of the procedure.