NCV Both Limb Test

A nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test is used for the assessment of the nerve dysfunction and damage. It measures the rate at which the electrical signals travel through the peripheral nerves. The peripheral nerves help you in controlling the muscles and experiencing senses. They are situated along your spinal cord, outside your brain. The electrical signals will move quickly and with a higher strength in the normal healthy nerves than the damaged ones. The NCV tests helps in identifying any nerve disorders and injuries to the myelin sheath and nerve fibers.

Before you go for the NCV test, you are supposed to inform your doctor if you suffer from any bleeding disorders, take medicines to make your blood thin, or if you consume aspirin regularly. Do not apply any cream or body lotion before the test, most importantly on the areas where you will be tested. You may be asked by your doctor to lie down or sit while conducting the test.

The NCV test is used to distinguish between various nerve injuries and nerve disorders. It is used for the diagnosis of nerve dysfunction or nerve damage. The electrical conduction ability of the sensory and motor nerves of the body measures how damaged the nerve is or if there is a presence of a neural disorder. If the velocity is found to be lower than the actual one, nerve injuries or disorders can be detected.

Patch like disposable electrodes will be placed on your skin at a measured distance on the nerves of the area to be tested. A low frequency current is allowed to pass through the electrodes for stimulating your nerves. This current would be of the same intensity as that of a minor shock The rate or speed at which the electrical impulses pass through the nerves will be measured and the result will be displayed.