Question

What is a nerve conduction study (NCS)?

Answer 1

An NCV operation can be done as an outpatient procedure or as part of a hospital stay. Procedures may differ depending on your situation and the practices of your doctor. A neurologist does the NCV. This is a specialist that specialises in problems of the brain and nerves. Some sections of the test may be performed by a technician.

Complete answer:
A nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test, also known as a nerve conduction study (NCS), determines the speed at which an electrical impulse passes through your nerve. Nerve injury can be detected using NCV.

Nerve conduction investigations determine whether nerves send electrical impulses at typical speeds to muscles or up sensory nerves (conduction velocities). The brain may respond to pain, touch, temperature, and vibration through sensory nerves. The normal conduction velocities of various nerves vary.

Your nerve is stimulated during the test, usually using electrode patches connected to your skin. On the skin above your nerve, two electrodes are implanted. With a very moderate electrical impulse, one electrode stimulates your nerve. It is recorded by the other electrode. Another electrode records the electrical activity that results. This is done for each nerve that is being evaluated.

After that, the speed is measured by measuring the distance between electrodes and the time it takes for electrical impulses to travel between them.

Electromyography is a related test that can be performed (EMG). The electrical activity in your muscles is measured with this device. It is frequently performed in conjunction with an NCV. Both tests aid in the detection of disorders that affect the nerves and muscles, as well as their location and severity.

NCV is frequently used in conjunction with an EMG to distinguish between nerve and muscle disorders. The NCV reveals an issue with the nerve, whereas the EMG determines whether the muscle is responding to the nerve's stimulation adequately.

In general, an NCV operation goes like this:
- Any clothing, jewellery, hairpins, eyeglasses, hearing aids, or other metal objects that may interfere with the treatment will be asked to be removed.
You will be provided with a gown to wear if you are requested to remove your garments.
- For the test, you will be instructed to sit or lie down.
- The nerve(s) to be investigated will be located by a neurologist.
-Your nerve will be stimulated by a modest and transient electrical shock delivered through the stimulating electrode.
- For a few seconds, you may feel some slight discomfort.
- On a monitor, the nerve stimulation and response will be presented.

Note: A transient electrical shock will occur as the nerve is activated. This may be unpleasant, but it is usually not painful. It normally takes 20-30 minutes to perform the treatment. Nerves may be examined in various areas in some circumstances, which can make the treatment take a little longer.