
Since it is a non-invasive procedure, there is no chance of infection.

There are no risks associated with nerve conduction studies. Nerve conduction tests may take from 15 minutes to 1 hour or more, depending on how many nerves and muscles are studied. Nerve conduction studies are done before an EMG if both tests are being performed. The speed of muscle contraction response is called the conduction velocity. The time it takes for the muscle to contract in response to the electrical pulse is then recorded. Several quick electrical pulses are sent to the nerve. A shock-emitting electrode is placed directly over the nerve and a recording electrode is placed over the muscles under control of that nerve. In this test, several flat metal disc electrodes are attached to your skin with tape or a special paste. Nerve conduction studies are often used to help diagnose nerve disorders such as pinched nerves, carpal tunnel syndrome or Guillain-Barr syndrome. Nerve conduction studies are performed to:Īssess disorders of the peripheral nervous system which includes the nerves that lead away from the brain and spinal cord and the smaller nerves that branch off from those nerves.

Why are Nerve Conduction Studies Performed?

Nerve conduction studies are often performed along with an electromyogram or EMG study to provide more in-depth information to the physician. Nerve conduction studies measure how well and how fast nerves send electrical signals to the muscles. When nerve and muscle disorders are present, the disorders cause the muscles to react in abnormal ways. These impulses make the muscles react in specific ways. Nerves control the muscles in the body by sending electrical signals called impulses.
