Proper diagnosis is essential in devising a suitable treatment plan for a patient.
For people suffering from muscular or neuromuscular disorders, nerve disease or pinched nerves, doctors recommend the performance of nerve conduction velocity testing midtown residents should know that an NCV test determines the movement of electrical signals through peripheral nerves. Through a nerve conduction study, medical professionals can determine if a patient is indeed suffering from nerve damage or dysfunction.
But what exactly are peripheral nerves? Peripheral nerves refer to those nerves that are located beyond the brain and the spinal cord. These nerves perform two key functions. First, they are responsible for controlling muscle movements. Second, they enable a person to use his senses.
In a normal, healthy person, these nerves transmit electrical signals both faster and stronger. For a person suffering from nerve damage, these signals become slower and weakened.
In an NCV test, a doctor can determine exactly where the damage to the nerve is. In some cases, the nerve axon or nerve fiber is damaged while in others, the myelin sheath or the nerve’s protective covering is damaged. The test can also be utilized in order to determine whether a patient is suffering from a nerve disorder or his muscles are suffering from a nerve injury. Either way, the tests enable both patients and their doctors to choose the best type of treatment to rectify the issue at hand.Possible treatment options that may be offered to you, depending on your exact condition and the extent of the nerve damage, include surgery, physical therapy and medication.
What can you expect from the test?
During the NCV test, patch-style electrodes are attached to skin where the nerve being evaluated is located. The electrodes send electrical impulses which then stimulate the nerve. These impulses have a low intensity and you may feel an electrical shock. However, these impulses are not painful. During the test, your doctor will view the impulses through a computer or oscilloscope and assess how fast these impulses travel through your nerves.
How do you prepare for the test?
Ideally, the test should be conducted when your body temperature is normal. If your temperature is too low, this can affect nerve conduction. In order to achieve normal body temperature, your physician may ask you to stay in a warm room until your temperature has normalized. If you are using a pacemaker or defibrillator, you should immediately perform your physician as the electrical impulses can adversely affect the performance of your device.
