Nerve Conduction Study Specialist

What is a nerve conduction study?

Your central nervous system is made up of your brain and spinal cord, while the peripheral nervous system includes the nerves that travel throughout the rest of your body. 

When any of the nerves in either system is compressed by surrounding structures or damaged by disease, you can experience a wide range of symptoms.

A nerve conduction study is a diagnostic procedure that evaluates the health and function of your nerves. Your Brighton Beach Medical Group doctor will request a nerve conduction study to diagnose symptoms related to nerve damage in the central and/or peripheral nervous systems.

What conditions can a nerve conduction study diagnose?

If you have symptoms like chronic pain, numbness, or tingling that indicate damage to your nerves, your Brighton Beach Medical Group doctor can use a nerve conduction study to determine if you have nerve-related conditions, like:

• Sciatica
• Neuropathy
• Herniated disc
• Carpal tunnel syndrome

Nerve conduction studies are also useful in identifying Guillain-Barré syndrome, an autoimmune disorder that causes your immune system to mistakenly attack the healthy nerve cells in your peripheral nervous system.

What can I expect during a nerve conduction study?

During your nerve conduction study, your Brighton Beach Medical Group provider will help you sit or lie down on an exam table.

The testing technology they use requires placing two electrodes on the surface of your skin. One electrode will stimulate the affected nerve, while the other will collect information about how the nerve reacts.

To stimulate the nerve, your Brighton Beach Medical Group provider delivers small amounts of electricity through the electrode. You’ll feel quick, mild shocks in the test area throughout the procedure.

Depending on the nature of your symptoms, you could need testing of more than one nerve during the procedure.

How long does it take to get the results of a nerve conduction study?

The information about your nerve function is immediate and throughout your nerve conduction study, your Brighton Beach Medical Group provider evaluates your specific results. While there are no standards for measuring nerve function, results outside of certain ranges can indicate damage.

Once they understand your condition, your Brighton Beach Medical Group doctor creates a treatment plan that focuses on easing your pain and preventing the disability that relates to nerve damage.

To learn more about the diagnostic benefits of a nerve conduction study, schedule a consultation at the Brighton Beach Medical Group office or book an appointment online today.