Sciatica: Correlation Between Nerve Conduction and Lipid Profile

Author(s): Ziaul Qamar, Mohd Aslam, Jameel Ahmad

Sciatica is a common neuropathic pain condition, most often resulting from lumbar disc herniation and characterized by radiating pain along the sciatic nerve pathway. Although mechanical compression of the nerve root is a well-recognized cause, growing evidence suggests that systemic metabolic factors particularly dyslipidemia may accelerate intervertebral disc degeneration, impair vascular supply, and heighten nerve inflammation. Elevated total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglycerides have been linked to greater risk of disc herniation and may directly influence nerve function; however, their relationship with nerve conduction parameters in sciatica remains unclear. This study aims to examine the correlation between serum lipid profiles and nerve conduction parameters in individuals with sciatica. A cross-sectional, frequency-matched case control design was employed. Serum lipid levels, including total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, and HDL-C, were assessed and compared between sciatica patients and matched controls. Nerve conduction studies of the tibial and peroneal nerves evaluated conduction velocity, latency, and amplitude. Correlation analyses were conducted to explore associations between lipid abnormalities and electrophysiological outcomes. Preliminary results demonstrate significantly reduced nerve conduction velocities in sciatica patients. Higher levels of total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglycerides showed a negative correlation with conduction velocity and amplitude, suggesting metabolic dysregulation may exacerbate neural impairment beyond mechanical compression. These findings highlight the potential contribution of dyslipidemia to sciatic nerve dysfunction. Incorporating metabolic assessment into sciatica evaluation may improve diagnostic accuracy and guide targeted therapies. Further research is warranted to determine whether lipid-lowering interventions can enhance nerve recovery and reduce symptom severity.