[Motor conduction velocities and distal latencies in multiple sclerosis].

Motor conduction velocities (MCV) and distal latencies (DL) of the ulnar nerve and of the external popliteal sciatic nerve have been recorded in 21 cases of multiple sclerosis. Only in 4 cases (19%) all values were found within normal limits. The maximal MCV of one or both nerves appeared to be slightly reduced in 7 cases (33%) and the minimal MCV was reduced more markedly in 13 cases (62%). The MCV alterations (both minimal and maximal) were more frequent among patients with marked hypertonus. The ulnar nerve was the most frequent site of such alterations. LD were markedly altered in 17 cases (81%), independently from the entity of pyramidal signs.