Name of the Procedure:

Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS); 5-6 studies

Summary

Nerve conduction studies are diagnostic tests that measure how well and how fast electrical signals travel through your nerves. This is typically done to assess nerve damage and function, performed using small electrical currents.

Purpose

Nerve conduction studies help diagnose conditions that affect the peripheral nerves including damage, destruction, or dysfunction. The main goals are to identify the presence, location, and extent of nerve-related issues such as neuropathies or nerve compression.

Indications

• Symptoms such as numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, or pain that may suggest a nerve problem.
• Medical conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, Guillain-Barré syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, and herniated discs.
• Patients who have had injuries affecting their nerves.

Preparation

• Wear loose-fitting clothes to easily access the area to be tested.
• Avoid applying lotions or oils on the skin before the test.
• Inform the healthcare provider about any medications you are on, especially blood thinners.
• No fasting is required, but it’s important to stay hydrated.

Procedure Description

1. The patient lies down on an exam table.
2. The provider will place small electrodes on the skin over the nerve to be tested.
3. A mild electrical impulse is sent through the nerve, activating the nerve and causing a muscle contraction.
4. The electrodes capture the electrical response of the nerve and transmit this information to a computer.
5. This process is repeated at different locations and for 5-6 different nerves, depending on the symptoms.
6. The data is analyzed to see how fast and effectively the nerve transmits electrical signals.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour.

Setting

The procedure is usually performed in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or specialized diagnostic center.

Personnel

• Neurologist or a trained technician (electromyographer)
• Medical assistants or nurses may also be present to provide support.

Risks and Complications

• Mild discomfort or pain from the electrical impulses.
• Rarely, bruising or swelling at the electrode sites.
• Very low risk of infection at the electrode application sites.

Benefits

• Helps pinpoint the location and extent of nerve damage.
• Assists in diagnosing specific disorders and planning appropriate treatment.
• Provides crucial information for surgical decisions or therapeutic interventions.

Recovery

• No significant recovery time; patients can usually resume normal activities immediately.
• Some patients may experience temporary discomfort or bruising at the electrode sites.
• Follow-up appointments may be necessary to discuss the results and next steps.

Alternatives

• Electromyography (EMG): Tests muscle response to electrical signals directly.
• MRI or CT scans: For structural imaging of nerves and surrounding tissues.
• Physical examination and patient history: Initial steps before diagnostic testing.
• Each alternative has its own advantages; for instance, EMG can directly measure muscle activity, while MRI provides detailed images.

Patient Experience

• Patients may feel a brief, tingling discomfort when the electrical impulses are delivered.
• The procedure is generally well-tolerated, and any discomfort ceases as soon as the test is over.
• Post-procedure, there might be slight soreness which is generally manageable without medication.