What Are Nerve Conduction Studies And How Do I Know If I Need One?

— -- Question: What Are Nerve Conduction Studies And How Do I Know If I Need One?

Answer: Nerve conduction studies allow non-invasive analysis of nerve physiology and function. They are used for suspected conditions of nerve entrapment, radiculopathy, or plexopathy. That is, they help identify whether a nerve or a group of nerves may be diseased or injured and, therefore, contributing to your pain. Nerve conduction studies can explain the cause of acute or chronic pain by identifying areas of nerve injury. The test is performed by placing two electrodes over the specific area to be studied, and then your nerve is electrically stimulated very quickly. The velocity of the impulse down the nerve is measured and interpreted by the practitioner. Certain abnormalities along the course of your neve can be identified by stimulation along particular nerve segments. You may benefit from nerve conduction studies if you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, certain neuromuscular diseases like muscular dystrophy, and certain neuropathies like sciatica.

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