The relationship between the Stockholm Neurological Scale and the objective tests for the assessment of the neurological component of the hand-arm vibration syndrome

Objectives. The main objective of this thesis was to compare the Stockholm Neurological Scale and the results of the current perception threshold tests and nerve conduction studies. Additional objectives were to examine associations between Stockholm Vascular and Neurological components and to describe specific neurological abnormalities found in subjects assessed for the Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome. Methods. Detailed physical examinations were done on 162 subjects. Special tests consisted of nerve conduction studies and current perception threshold. Stockholm Neurological classification was blinded to the results of special tests. Results. Exposure in total hours and current perception threshold results were significant predictors of the Stockholm Neurological Scale for each hand. Stockholm Vascular and Neurological Scales were significantly associated for each hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome was the main neurological abnormality found in this sample. Conclusions. Current perception threshold test results but not nerve conduction studies were associated with the Stockholm Neurological Scale.