Nerve Conduction Study
What is a Nerve Conduction Study
An NCS is a diagnostic test that evaluates the function of your peripheral nerves. The purpose of the test is to detect the presence and extent of peripheral nerve damage. These nerves are located outside of your brain and spinal cord (central nervous system).
More specifically, an NCS measures the flow of electrical current through:
- Motor nerves: Nerves that control your muscles and movement.
- Sensory nerves: Nerves that carry signals to your brain about things you touch, taste, smell, and see.
You may be recommended for an NCS if you have symptoms such as tingling or numbness in your arms, legs, hands, feet, and/or face. At BEST, the NCS will be performed in an outpatient setting depending on the specifics of your condition. We take pride in our state-of-the-art facilities and strive to provide our patients with the best care possible.
What to Expect
During the test, electrode patches are attached to your skin to stimulate your nerves. Two electrodes are placed on the skin over the nerve being tested. An electrode stimulates your nerve with a very mild electrical impulse. The other electrode records it. Using another electrode, the electrical activity is recorded. Each nerve is tested in this manner.
Electrical impulses travel between electrodes for a duration of time between electrodes, and then the speed is calculated by measuring the distance between electrodes.
In addition, electromyography (EMG) may be performed. Muscle activity is measured by this device. In many cases, it is performed in conjunction with an NCS. Using both tests, you can identify the presence, location, and extent of nerve and muscle damage.
NCS at BEST
Patients at BEST Health System have access to various treatment options. In addition, we offer physical therapy, orthotics, and nutritional services. In addition to conservative treatment, we do all-out imaging on-site. Our state-of-the-art facilities are all-inclusive and capable of running diagnostic tests such as an NCS as well as imaging including x-rays, MRI, and CT scans.
If you require surgery for joint pain, BEST offers minimally invasive options performed by our board-certified surgeons. The incision for minimally invasive surgery is typically less than an inch, and most patients who undergo surgery with BEST walk within hours.
If you would like to learn more about what BEST has to offer, feel free to reach out to us today!
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