We are offering NCV and EMG studies performed in our office with appointments available within 72 hours. We will analyze the results same day while the patient is in the office. Covered by all major medical insurance plans. We offer quick appointments and rapid results with reports ready in 72 hours or less.
Have you been experiencing numbness, tingling, or continuous pain with no known cause? 70% or more of our patients report similar symptoms.
If so, your doctor may recommend having a nerve conduction study performed. A nerve conduction study, also known as nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test measures the speed of electrical impulses as they move through the nerves. Based on the results, your doctor can determine if nerve damage has occurred, where it has occurred, and to what extent. This allows your provider, or our team, to decide on the best treatment plan to address the root cause of your symptoms.
Generally, nerve conduction studies (NCV) are performed together with an electromyography (EMG), which is a test that measures electrical signals produced by the muscles when they are at rest versus when they are active.
Conducting these two diagnostic tests allows our team to more accurately determine if the cause of the problem is a nerve disorder or if it has affected the muscles. In some cases, both the nerves and muscles can be affected.
Nerve conduction studies and EMGs can help distinguish pain that originates from your nerve versus your spine. It can also help diagnose a variety of other conditions, including:
Before starting a nerve conduction study, your doctor will discuss possible factors that can affect the results of the study.
For example:
The above can all affect the results of a nerve conduction study. Additionally, your doctor will ask you if you have a pacemaker since the electrodes used in the study may interfere with your device.
When preparing for your nerve conduction study, there is not much you will need to do beforehand. The main way to prepare for a nerve conduction study is to temporarily avoid using lotion or oils on your skin in the days leading up to your appointment. This is because lotions and oils can interfere with the electrodes ability to stick properly to the skin. In some cases, your doctor may also ask you to temporarily abstain from caffeine consumption. Please stop muscle relaxants a few days prior to the test.
The day of your appointment, you will be asked to remove any metal objects you may be wearing to prevent interference. Depending on the location of the area being tested, you may also be asked to change into a medical gown.
After you have been properly prepared and positioned, your doctor will locate the nerve being tested and place two electrodes on your skin. In some cases, jelly or paste may be used to help the electrode stick to the skin. One of these electrodes is responsible for stimulating the nerve and the other is responsible for recording the activity. As the nerve is stimulated, you will experience a brief electrical shock. This may feel uncomfortable, but it usually isn’t painful. The entire procedure usually takes about 30 minutes to complete. We typically test one limb per day during a study. Results will be available to you same day while you are in the office
Overall, having a nerve conduction study is an effective way to allow your doctor to determine whether nerve damage has occurred, as well as to diagnose a range of conditions. The test itself is quick, minimally invasive, and relatively painless.
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