Electrodiagnostic medicine is the study of diseases of nerves and muscles. Your doctor has recommended a Nerve Conduction Study to see if your muscles and nerves are working right. You can have problems in only one part of your body or throughout your body. The results of the tests will help your doctor decide what is wrong and how it can be treated.
Why am I being sent to the NCS Lab for tests?
You are being sent to the Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) lab because you have numbness, tingling, pain, weakness, or muscle cramping. The test that the Dr. Rash will use to examine your symptoms is a nerve conduction study (NCS).
Nerve Conduction Studies
NCSs show how well the bodys electrical signals are traveling to a nerve. This is done by applying small electrical shocks to the nerve and recording how the nerve works. These shocks cause a quick, mild, tingling feeling. Dr. Rash may test several nerves.
How long will these tests take?
The tests usually take 20 to 90 minutes. You can do any of your normal activities, like eating, driving, and exercising, before the tests. There are no lasting side effects. You can also do your normal activities after the tests.
How should I prepare for the tests?
Tell Dr. Rash if you are taking aspirin, blood thinners (like Coumadin®), have a pacemaker, or have hemophilia. Take a bath or shower to remove oil from your skin. Do not use body lotion on the day of the test. If you have myasthenia gravis, ask your doctor if you should take any medications before the test.
When will I know the test results?
Dr. Rash will discuss your test results with you or send them to your regular doctor. After the exam, check with the doctor who sent you to the lab for the next step in your care.
