Shockwave-induced compound action potentials in the peripheral nerve.

To verify a presumed interaction between shockwaves arisen by impacts of high velocity projectiles and nervous tissue an electrophysiological experiment is performed with the following results: In peripheral nerves regular compound action potentials (CAPs) are provoked by shockwaves the amplitudes of which are increased corresponding to the pressure intensity of the shockwaves. The nerve shows no electrical activity below a certain pressure threshold (0.75 bar). Saturation of the CAP amplitude occurs beyond a pressure limit of 8 bar.