Nerve fiber conduction-velocity distributions. II. Estimation based on two compound action potentials.

A method is presented for estimating nerve fiber conduction velocity distributions from non-invasive measurements of the compound action potential at two distinct locations separated by a known distance along the nerve bundle. This method is based on a model of the compound action potential as a weighted sum of delayed single-fiber action potentials, but does not require explicit knowledge of the single-fiber action potential wave shapes in order to yield a unique estimate of the conduction velocity distribution. Illustrative examples are presented from normal and diseases nerves. This method appears to have clinical applications in the electrophysiological assessment of peripheral nerve function.