Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Just another iHealthSpot WP02 site

Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) Test

Back to Patient Education

Introduction

A Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) Test is an electrodiagnostic procedure that measures how well a nerve works and helps to specify the site of nerve compression.  Nerves carry messages between the brain and body.  Many conditions, such as tissue swelling, injury, and disease, can put pressure on a nerve and impair its ability to function.  Doctors use nerve conduction velocity tests to help diagnose nerve problems and plan treatments.

Back to top

Diagnosis

Nerve conduction velocity tests are usually fast outpatient electrodiagnostic procedures.  NCV testing can take place at a doctor's office or in a hospital.  The nerves in the arms and legs are common test sites. 
 
Before the nerve test begins, your doctor or a diagnostic technician will place sticky patches with electrodes on your skin over the course of a specific nerve.  During the study, a nerve is stimulated in one or several places.   A computer measures the time it takes for a message (nerve impulse) to travel to a second place.  A nerve conduction study may feel slightly uncomfortable.
 
Your doctor will analyze the NCV results.  By doing so, your doctor can determine if the nerve is functioning as it should.  Your doctor will share the results of your NCV electrodiagnostic test with you.
Back to top

Copyright ©  - iHealthSpot Interactive - www.iHealthSpot.com

This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.

The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on February 16, 2022. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.

Footer

BUSINESS HOURS:
Monday – Friday
8AM – 5PM

THE SPINE INSTITUTE
13431 Old Meridian St.
Suite 200
Carmel, IN 46032

Phone: (317) 573-7733
Fax: 317-573-7739

Copyright · The Spine Institute, All Rights Reserved.

iHealthspot Medical Website Design and Medical Marketing by iHealthSpot.com

The Spine Institute of Indiana provides expert treatment for patients with simple to complex back and neck problems in Carmel, Indiana. We offer solutions for disc herniations, spinal stenosis, pinched nerves, microdecompression, scoliosis, spondylolysis, spine tumors, and degenerative neck and back disorders. Our spine specialists use the latest technology in treating conditions of the spine and offer convenient, on-site X-rays and MRIs for a quicker diagnosis and treatment plan.