A nerve conduction study (NCS) is a diagnostic procedure that helps healthcare providers assess the function of your peripheral nerves. These nerves extend throughout your body, outside of your brain and spinal cord, and are responsible for transmitting signals that control movement and sensation. The test identifies potential nerve damage or dysfunction, guiding healthcare professionals in understanding various neurological symptoms.
What is a Nerve Conduction Study
A nerve conduction study measures how quickly and effectively electrical signals travel through your nerves. During the procedure, small electrode patches are placed on the skin directly over the nerves or muscles being examined. One electrode delivers a mild electrical impulse to stimulate the nerve, while other electrodes record the nerve’s response. The speed and strength of these electrical signals provide information about nerve health.
The test quantifies several parameters, including nerve conduction velocity and the amplitude of the nerve’s response. By stimulating the nerve at different points, healthcare providers can pinpoint the specific location of nerve injury or compression. This diagnostic tool is frequently performed alongside an electromyography (EMG) test, which assesses muscle electrical activity, to differentiate between nerve and muscle disorders.
Nerve conduction studies help diagnose various conditions affecting the peripheral nervous system. These include nerve compression syndromes like carpal tunnel syndrome or sciatica. The test also aids in diagnosing peripheral neuropathy, a condition of damaged peripheral nerves. Other conditions such as Guillain-Barré syndrome and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease can also be evaluated. NCS results help guide appropriate treatment plans.
The Sensation During the Test
During a nerve conduction study, the primary sensation experienced is from the mild electrical impulses delivered to the nerves. Many people describe this sensation as a brief, mild shock, a tingling feeling, or a muscle twitch. The electrical stimulation is very short in duration, often lasting only a few seconds for each nerve tested. This sensation is often compared to the feeling of static electricity or a quick tap.
While the feeling can be unfamiliar, it is tolerable for most individuals. Sensations typically fade almost immediately after each electrical pulse. Severe pain is not a common experience, though some might find it briefly uncomfortable. The brief nature of each stimulation contributes to the test being well-tolerated.
Preparing for Your Nerve Conduction Study
Proper preparation can help ensure accurate results and a smoother experience during your nerve conduction study. It is advisable to bathe or shower on the day of the test to ensure your skin is clean. However, avoid applying any lotions, creams, or oils to your skin, as these can interfere with the adherence and conductivity of the electrodes used during the procedure. Wearing loose-fitting clothing is also recommended, as it allows for easy access to the areas of the body that will be tested.
Inform your healthcare provider about any medications, especially blood thinners, as these can influence nerve conduction. Also, inform them if you have a pacemaker or other electrical medical device, as precautions may be needed. Maintaining a normal body temperature is helpful, as being too cold can slow nerve conduction and affect results.
During the test, you will typically sit or lie down comfortably. A healthcare professional will locate the nerves and apply electrodes to your skin using a special paste. The duration can vary from 15 minutes to over an hour, depending on the number of nerves examined. After the test, the paste is removed, and you can generally resume normal activities immediately, as no special recovery time is needed.