Nerve Conduction Studies Specialist

What are nerve conduction studies?

Nerve conduction studies are diagnostic tests that measure how quickly an electrical impulse travels through your nerve. This type of test is highly effective in identifying areas of the body that have nerve damage.

You may need this type of testing if you have persistent unexplained pain or dysfunction in your nervous system.

Why do I need a nerve conduction study?

A nerve conduction study is a diagnostic tool your provider uses to identify or diagnose conditions like:

• Sciatic nerve damage
• Herniated disk disease
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Chronic inflammatory neuropathy

A nerve conduction study can also detect Guillain-Barré syndrome, a chronic disease where the immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system, causing nerve damage.

What happens during a nerve conduction study?

Nerve conduction studies are available in-office for your convenience. The staff ensures you’re comfortable throughout the procedure, which can last up to an hour.

Your provider attaches electrode patches directly to your skin and places two electrodes over the affected nerve. The first electrode delivers a mild electric impulse to the nerve, while the second electrode records the activity information.

For each nerve being tested, the electrode impulses and recording repeats. Your provider then measures the distance between each electrode and determines how much travel time it takes to move between electrodes.

A nerve conduction study isn’t painful, and the electrical impulses are low and often undetectable during your test. Typically, the study is safe for everyone, but your provider will review your health history before moving forward with your test.

Your provider may also elect to do an EMG test at the same time as a nerve conduction study to measure electrical activity occurring in your muscles.

What do the results of a nerve conduction study mean?

Your provider can determine if your test results are in the normal or abnormal range. They can recommend further diagnostic testing procedures to confirm a specific disease or disorder based on your symptoms, medical history, and nerve conduction test results.

Find out more about the benefits of nerve conduction studies for diagnosing nerve problems by calling the office nearest you or using the convenient online booking feature to schedule a consultation.