Nerve Conduction Studies

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Nerves can’t be seen on X-rays and CT scans. That’s where nerve conduction studies (also called nerve conduction velocity tests) come in.

By stimulating your nerve and recording how fast that signal travels, your doctor can check for nerve damage. Nerve conduction studies can also reveal the extent of damage and where it is located.

Who Benefits From Nerve Conduction Studies

Nerve conduction studies provide information that can help you and your neurologist understand the root cause of your symptoms. Conditions that may need a nerve conduction study include:

Often, nerve conductions studies are combined with electromyography, which tests how well muscle tissue responds to nerve signals. Combined, these studies can show if you have nerve problems, muscle problems or both.

What to Expect During Your Nerve Conduction Study

What part of your body gets studied during your test depends on your symptoms and condition. In general, every nerve conduction includes a few basic steps:

  1. Two electrode patches are placed on your skin over the nerve to be studied.
  2. One of the electrodes sends a mild electrical signal to the nerve to stimulate it. This may feel a little uncomfortable but usually is not painful.
  3. The other electrode records how long it takes to carry that signal across the nerve.
  4. This electrical activity is shown on a screen so your doctor can evaluate it.

This information helps us better understand your condition and create a customized treatment plan for you.

If you or your doctor believe you need a nerve conduction study, you can reach us at (425) 635-6560 for referral and scheduling information.