Is A NCV Test Painful?
Have you been dealing with unexplained tingling, numbness, or continuous pain? If so, you may need to have a nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test performed. NCV tests are used to measure the speed of conduction of an electrical impulse through a nerve and can determine if nerve damage and destruction are present. At Nassau Suffolk Neurology, your health is our highest priority. Before undergoing your NCV test, our team would like to explain what you can expect so you can go into your appointment feeling calm and confident.
What Is A NCV Test?
A nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test analyzes how fast electrical signals move through a nerve. In most cases, NCV tests are performed with an electromyography (EMG), which measures the electrical signals produced by your muscles at rest versus when they are active. Conducting these tests allows our neurologist to accurately determine if your problem is caused by a nerve or muscle disorder. Here are some of the conditions an NCV test can diagnose:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Guillain-Barre Syndrome
- Peripheral Nerve Injury
- Herniated Disc Disease
- Pinched Nerve
What To Expect During A NCV Test
There is not much that you need to do to prepare for your NCV test. In the days leading up to your appointment, avoid using oils or lotion on your skin since they can interfere with the electrode’s ability to stick to your skin. NCV tests are usually performed on an outpatient basis. Once you are ready, the doctor will locate the nerves and attach an electrode to the skin over the nerve. A second electrode will be placed away from the first one. This second electrode will produce a brief and mild shock to stimulate the nerve. This should not be painful, but it can potentially cause minor discomfort. There should be no pain after the test is complete. Once the test is over, the stimulation and nerve response will appear on a monitor for the doctor to record. Depending on your test results, our team will determine the right treatment plan for your condition to get you back to feeling your best.
Contact Us
Having a nerve conduction study is an effective way to allow our neurologist to determine the presence of a range of conditions. To learn more about NCV tests, be sure to contact our team at Nassau Suffolk Neurology today!