Date of Award

Spring 2018

Project Type

Thesis

Program or Major

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Degree Name

Master of Science

First Advisor

John R LaCourse

Second Advisor

Wayne J Smith

Third Advisor

Ronald V Croce

Abstract

There are a number of different testing devices to detect carpal tunnel syndrome and other peripheral neuropathies. Electronic tests known as nerve conduction studies assess the health of a nerve by measuring the amplitude and velocity of action potentials traveling along that nerve. The action potentials are generated by stimulating the nerve with a high voltage. The shape, duration and amplitude of the high voltage stimulus are all carefully selected in order to make the stimulus both safe and effective. Nerve conduction studies are generally considered reliable and accurate. However, they are very complex and expensive.

Over the course of this research, a stimulus device and two simple electronic devices to detect peripheral neuropathies were developed and tested. The stimulus device was used by both testing devices to generate nerve action potentials. The first device recorded the nerve action potentials so they could be used to assess nerve health. The second device assessed nerve health by measuring the motor response of a digit to stimulation. In the end, neither of the two testing devices was successfully used to assess nerve health. However, an effective stimulus device was developed. This device was able to stimulate motor responses in both the median and ulnar nerves.

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