What Is a Nerve Conduction Study?

Nerve conduction examinations inform doctors about how well and quickly the nerves in your body transmit electrical signals. This test is useful for detecting a variety of peripheral nervous system abnormalities. The peripheral nervous system encompasses all nerves in your body other than those in your brain and spinal cord itself. The central nervous system comprises nerves in the brain and spinal cord.

Why Are Nerve Conduction Studies Performed?

Nerve conduction test can be performed for a variety of purposes, including:

• To determine nerve damage after an accident;
• To screen for nerve damage induced by specific disorders (peripheral neuropathy);
• To examine for 'trapped' nerves, such as carpal tunnel syndrome;
• To track changes in a known injured nerve's function over time.

How Do Nerves Function?

Nerves work similarly to electrical lines. They use electrical impulses to facilitate communication between the brain and the rest of the body. The brain can communicate with the peripheral nervous system via electrical impulses sent from the spinal cord. 

Peripheral nerves can be motor nerves, which connect to muscles and cause them to contract. They can be sensory nerves, which means they are linked to specific body sensors that detect heat, pressure, touch, and so on. Alternatively, they can be mixed nerves containing both a motor and sensory component. Motor neurons use electrical signals to cause muscles to move. Sensory nerves use electrical impulses to communicate with the brain about their surroundings.

Most nerves require a material known as myelin to function properly. Myelin acts as a sort of insulation for nerves, keeping electrical impulses contained within the nerve fiber. If nerves are injured, the electrical signal frequently travels more slowly via the nerve fiber. Nerve conduction investigations can assess the speed of nerve impulses, among other things.

How Do Nerve Conduction Investigations Work?

To test sensory nerves, electrodes are often placed on the fingers or toes, with another electrode at the ankle or wrist. When an electrical pulse is administered to the fingertips or toes, the sensory nerve transmits the electrical signal. When an electrical impulse reaches the wrist or ankle, the electrode there registers it.

Are Nerve Conduction Studies Accurate?

There are numerous causes of potential mistakes. This is due to the manner in which the exam is administered and the difficulty of interpreting the test results. According to studies, accuracy varies depending on which nerves are tested.

How Long Does a Nerve Conduction Study Take?

Nerve conduction testing can take 15 minutes to an hour or more, depending on the number of nerves and muscles examined.

What Steps Should I Take to Prepare for a Nerve Conduction Study?

Usually, very little. Your local hospital should provide you with detailed information on any preparations required. If you have a pacemaker or a heart defibrillator, you should tell thn who is testing you. If you have just had a heart attack, nerve conduction study testing may be delayed.

It also helps to keep your hands and feet as warm as possible. If they are cold, the electrical impulses may slow down. You may be asked not to use hand lotions or creams. Loose-fitting clothes that can be rolled above the elbows and knees are useful. Bracelets, rings, and watches are typically removed for hand inspections, whereas socks or tights are removed for foot examinations.

Nerve Conduction Study Side Effects

While it may appear frightening to have an electrical impulse applied to your skin, the amount of electricity that travels through you is really little. Most people endure the test well and experience no after-effects. Some patients may experience moderate soreness or tingling that lasts a few hours following the test.