How painful is a nerve conduction study? Although the electrical stimulation may startle you initially, it shouldn't be painful. The shock feels similar to a shock you experience from static electricity, or it may feel like a mild tingling. Most people can complete the test without issues.
How the Test will Feel. The impulse may feel like an electric shock. You may feel some discomfort depending on how strong the impulse is. You should feel no pain once the test is finished.
A nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test — also called a nerve conduction study (NCS) — measures how fast an electrical impulse moves through your nerve. NCV can identify nerve damage. During the test, your nerve is stimulated, usually with electrode patches attached to your skin.
The skin will be cleansed with an antiseptic solution. Next, a fine, sterile needle will be inserted into the muscle. A ground electrode will be positioned under your arm or leg. Five or more needle insertions may be necessary for the test.
During an EMG test, you may feel a quick, sharp pain when the needle electrode is put into a muscle. With nerve conduction studies, you will be able to feel the electrical pulses. The tests make some people anxious. Keep in mind that only a very low-voltage electrical current is used.
The signs of nerve damage
Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet. Feeling like you're wearing a tight glove or sock. Muscle weakness, especially in your arms or legs. Regularly dropping objects that you're holding.
The muscle is examined by moving the needle along a straight line into the muscle in short steps (0.5–1 mm).
Typically, this test is done without sedation because you have to be able to move your muscles voluntarily. However, if you are very anxious about the pain, ask if a numbing cream can be applied to the places where the wire will be placed at the time the appointment is made.
A needle electrode is inserted through the skin into the muscle. Each muscle fiber that contracts will produce an action potential. The presence, size, and shape of the wave form of the action potential produced on the oscilloscope, provides information about the ability of the muscle to respond to nervous stimulation.
What are they used for? EMG and nerve conduction studies are used to help diagnose a variety of muscle and nerve disorders. An EMG test helps find out if muscles are responding the right way to nerve signals. Nerve conduction studies help diagnose nerve damage or disease.
On MDsave, the cost of a Nerve Conduction Studies 9-10 Nerves ranges from $201 to $1,304. Those on high deductible health plans or without insurance can shop, compare prices and save. Read more about how MDsave works.
Nerve conduction studies are done to: Find and evaluate damage to all the nerves that lead away from the brain and spinal cord to the smaller nerves that branch out from them. Help diagnose nerve disorders, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or Guillain-Barré syndrome.
The tests usually take 60 to 90 minutes. You can do any of your normal activities, like eating, driving, and exercising, before and after the test.
Few preparations are needed on the day you have an EMG. You do not need to fast, or eat any particular kinds of food before the test. You can drive yourself to and from the appointment, do you do not need to bring a friend or relative with you. You can count on resuming your regular activity after the test is complete.
Alternatives to Needle EMG
Muscle signals are examined with surface electrodes in sEMG rather than through the traditional needle electrode.
How painful is an EMG test? You may feel some pain or discomfort when your provider inserts the needle into your skin and muscles. But most people can complete the test without issues.
The discomfort, or mild pain experienced by some patients, following the application of electrical stimulation during nerve conduction studies (NCS) is transient and self-limiting and will not initiate or aggravate pre-existing symptoms beyond the duration of the actual investigation.
EMG results are often necessary to help diagnose or rule out a number of conditions such as: Muscle disorders, such as muscular dystrophy or polymyositis. Diseases affecting the connection between the nerve and the muscle, such as myasthenia gravis.
Do not smoke for 3 hours before the test. Do not eat or drink foods that contain caffeine (such as coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate) for 2 to 3 hours before the test. Wear loose-fitting clothing. You may be given a hospital gown to wear.
An abnormal EMG result may be a sign of a muscle or nerve disorder, such as: Polymyositis. This is an inflammatory muscle disease that causes decreased muscle power. Muscular dystrophy.