Stroke is a leading cause of death and long-term disability in adults. In 2013, stroke was reported as the second leading cause of death after ischemic heart disease and the third leading cause of disability. Stroke is considered as a chronic disease. Spasticity is a common symptom after stroke, arising in about 30% of patients, and usually occurs within the first few days or weeks. However, the onset of spasticity is highly variable and can occur in the short, medium, or long-term post-stroke period. In the upper limbs, the most frequent pattern of arm spasticity is internal rotation and adduction of the shoulder coupled with flexion at the elbow, the wrist, and the fingers. In the lower limbs, the most observed pattern is adduction and extension of the knee with equinovarus foot. Peripheral neuropathies and muscle spasticity are among the most important complications to be considered. Use of ambulatory assistive devices, excessive use of non-paretic hand and wrist, edema, nerve traction or compression may cause peripheral neuropathies. Upper motor neuron lesions are also reported to cause some alterations in the lower motor neurons. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of spasticity in chronic hemiplegic upper extremities and electrophysiological characteristics of median and ulnar nerves. In conclusion post-stroke spasticity can affect the results and interpretation of NCS of peripheral nerves. Patients with spasticity may have lower NCV and amplitude, and false-positive or negative findings may occur. Clinicians should be aware of the potential limitations of NCS in patients with spasticity and use additional diagnostic tests as necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Stroke is a leading cause of death and long-term disability in adults.