Nerve conduction studies enable a clinician to create a map of your peripheral nerves. Electrodes are taped over the most superficial branches of a nerve and then a small electric impulse is administered. The impulse travels along the nerve passing under the electrode, and the electrode enables measurements of how quickly and completely your nerves carried the pulse.
If there is pressure on a nerve, or damage along the length of the nerve, the measurements will be abnormal. The location of the damage and the cause can be identified and appropriate treatment planned.
Electromyography examines the connection between the muscle and nerve. The nerve ending, neuromuscular junction and muscle receptors can be evaluated for structural integrity and function. A special needle is inserted in specific muscles to evaluate different nerves.
Physical trauma, metobolic diseases and other pathologic processes can be identified very specifically.
These tests are done together to identify and localize any pathology. The test takes thirty to sixty minutes and results are usually available immediately. There are no special requirements for this study though one should avoid alcohol or sedatives just prior to testing as these may affect nerve function.
