Why is this procedure done?
The nerves in our body make the muscles move. This lets us feel different sensations such as touch, pain, and temperature. Nerves have electrical signals that are sent to and from the brain. When there is a slowing of these signals, the body may not work the normal way. There may be muscle weakness and no ability to move the muscles at all. You may not be able to feel sensations well. This most often happens when nerves are damaged or there are other movement problems. A nerve conduction test measures the signals in your nerves. ‚
Nerve conduction studies are done to: ‚
- Find the cause of nerve problems like numbness or weakness
- Find out if nerves are working like they should be
- Find out if your problem is with your nerves, muscles, or both
- Check the progress of a damaged nerve
Many times, this test is done at the same time as an electromyelogram. An electromyelogram or EMG is a test done with needles to test how your muscles are working. ‚
What will the results be?
The signals measured in the test will help the doctor figure out what is causing your health problem. If your nerve is damaged, the signal will be slower and weaker. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Talk to your doctor about all the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Tell your doctor if you have a pacemaker or heart defibrillator.
- Avoid cold temperatures beforehand if possible. Low body temperature will slow down the nerve activity and may affect your test results.
What happens during the procedure?
- Your skin will be cleaned. Small patches called electrodes will be taped to the skin in the area being studied.
- Your doctor will apply a small electric current into the electrodes that will cause the nerves to turn on.
- The electrodes will send information to a computer about how fast your nerves are working and how strong the signals are.
- Your doctor will check different spots along the pathway of a nerve.
- You may feel only slight discomfort during the test.
- The test takes 30 to 90 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
- You can go home right after the procedure.
- You should not feel any discomfort once the test is over. If you have an EMG test at the same time, you may feel some discomfort from the needles.
What care is needed at home?
- You can go back to your normal daily activities right away.
What follow-up care is needed?
During your follow-up visit, your doctor will tell you what the results were. Together you can make a plan for more care. Your doctor may send you to physical therapy or occupational therapy to help with your problem. ‚
What problems could happen?
There are no problems from this test. ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚