Nerve Conduction Study (NCS)
(Medical procedures and examinations)
This topic will help you learn about the nerve conduction study (NCS) and how to prepare for it.
What is a nerve conduction study?
- It is a diagnostic test that evaluates the function of peripheral nerves and can help detect the presence and extent of peripheral nerve damage.
- Peripheral nerves are the nerves located outside the brain and spinal cord (the central nervous system). More specifically, the test measures the flow of electrical current through:
- Motor nerves: the nerves that control your muscles and movement.
Sensory nerves: the nerves that carry signals to your brain about what you touch, taste, smell, and see.
Your healthcare provider may recommend the test if you have symptoms such as tingling or numbness in your arms, legs, hands, feet, and/or face. Medical providers usually conduct nerve conduction studies together with electromyography (EMG).
- When is a nerve conduction study performed?
- A nerve conduction study helps diagnose peripheral nerve problems such asweakness in the limbs, severe nerve pain, tingling, and numbness, including:.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Sciatic nerve problems such as sciatica.
- Nerve compression syndromes.
Herniated disc disease.
- Chronic inflammatory neuropathy and other neuropathies. These are conditions resulting from diabetes or alcohol abuse. Symptoms may include numbness or tingling in one nerve or in multiple nerves at the same time.
- Other peripheral nerve diseases and problems.
- How do you prepare for a nerve conduction study?
