Nerve Conduction Velocity Testing - Patient Information

What to Expect

• Nerve Conduction studies test the flow of electrical currents across your nerves.
• NCV is usually ordered in patients who are experiencing weakness or numbness in the arms or legs and can help determine the severity of a nerve injury.

Preparation for the Procedure

• Tell your doctor if you have a cardiac defibrillator or pacemaker, as precautions may need to be taken.
• Wear loose fitting clothes.

Testing Procedure

• Patches called surface electrodes, similar to those used for ECG, are placed on the skin over nerves at various locations.
• Each patch gives off a very mild electrical impulse, which stimulates the nerve. The nerve's resulting electrical activity is recorded by the other electrodes.
• The distance between electrodes and the time it takes for electrical impulses to travel between electrodes are used to determine the speed of the nerve signals.
• The impulse may feel like an electric shock. Depending on how strong the stimulus is, you will feel it to varying degrees, and it may be uncomfortable.
• You should feel no pain once the test is finished.