Nerve Conduction Testing

Q.  How is a Nerve Conduction Study Performed?
A.  

A trained staff member will perform your nerve conduction study.  A special biosensor will be placed on your skin.  The biosensor has a conductive gel that allows it to detect small signals from your nerve.

Nerves originate in your spine and extend to your hands and feet.  By placing the biosensors on your wrist or ankle, the entire length of a nerve can be evaluated.  If you have symptoms in your hand, wrist, arm, shoulder or neck, biosensors will be placed at the wrist.  If you are experiencing symptoms in your low back, buttocks, legs or feet, biosensors will be placed at your ankle.  Generally, bothe the left and right sides are evaluated to provide a comparison.

Your skin wil be cleaned with a special skin prep pad.  The biosensor will then be applied and connected to the test device, called the NC-stat.  When the test begins, you will feel slight electrical stimulations that cause short, mild, pulsing sensations.

Q.  Will the Test Hurt?
A.  Patients who have had nerve conduction studies with the NC-stat System describe the test as painless.  Some patients describe a slight pulsing sensation or a mild electrostatic shock.  A few patients find the procedure to be somewhat uncomfortable.  The test is harmless and each nerve can be evaluated in less than two minutes.