Nerve Conduction Studies and EMG's

Nerve conduction studies are ordered when patients are having problems with their muscles or nerves; especially those of the body's extremities. Some of the most common problems for which this test is ordered include carpal tunnel, peripheral neuropathy, low back pain and neck pain, among others.

During a nerve conduction study, brief electrical shocks are delivered to the arm or leg to determine how fast or slowly the nerves are conduction the electrical current. The Electromyogram (EMG) part of the exam tests muscles using thin, fine needles inserted into the muscle to see if any damage has been done as a result of the nerve problem. The needles record the muscle activity which can be heard as radio static through the EMG machine. The exam usually takes about 1 hour. Few preparations are needed the day you have a NCS/EMG and you can resume your regular activity after the test is completed.