SNAP
Also written as: SNAP — sensory nerve action potential
Sensory nerve action potential; the electrical response recorded from a peripheral sensory nerve following stimulation.
Full Definition
The sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) is a compound action potential recorded from sensory nerve fibers when the nerve is electrically stimulated. SNAPs are typically recorded orthodromically (stimulating proximally and recording distally) or antidromically (stimulating distally and recording proximally). Key parameters include amplitude, measured from baseline to negative peak, and distal latency. SNAPs are often the first abnormality detected in peripheral neuropathies and are completely absent in preganglionic injuries since the cell bodies remain intact.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify which nerve when reporting SNAP findings.
In Context
- "The sural SNAP was absent bilaterally, suggesting a distal sensory neuropathy." — Nerve conduction study report