Impaired refractory periods of peripheral sensory nerves in multiple sclerosis.

Maximum conduction velocity and relative refractory period (RRP) of median nerve sensory fibers were studied in 36 patients diagnosed as having multiple sclerosis (MS) and in 31 controls. Maximum conduction velocity did not differ in the two groups, but the RRP was significantly prolonged in MS patients. Increased RRP is observed mainly when peripheral nerve myelin is abnormal or damaged. Our findings support the assumption that peripheral nerve myelinated fibers are usually involved in MS.