Abstract

Background: Mobile phones and other touchscreen devices emit dangerous electromagnetic radiation that negatively affect nerve function, with the median nerve being the most vulnerable because it is mostly utilized for mobile phone typing. Nerve conduction studies (NCSs) can be used to successfully diagnose this change in nerve function NCS.

Aims and Objectives: The goal of the study was to ascertain the impact of electromagnetic waves from mobile phones on the median nerve’s nerve conduction velocity (NCV).

Materials and Methods: 150 young, healthy medical students participated in a cross-sectional (observational) study, and they were split into two groups based on how long they used their mobile phones: Group 1 (30 min usage). The median nerves in both upper limbs were measured for their NCV, and the results were statistically analyzed using the student “t” test for equal variance for various parameters.

Results: The research found that Group 1 participants, who use cell phones more frequently and for longer periods of time, had significantly reduced (impaired) sensory NCV of the median nerve.

Conclusion: Smartphones and other touchscreen gadgets, depending on time of exposure and usage frequency, can negatively impact nerve function, resulting in a decrease in the median nerve’s conduction velocity, and this can be very efficiently diagnosed with the use of NCSs.

Key words: Electronic; Median Nerve; Nerve Conduction Study; Nerve Conduction Velocity; Smartphone; Waves