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.