Nerve Conducting Specialist

What is a nerve conduction study?

A nerve conduction study, also known as a nerve conduction velocity test, is a powerful tool the health care professionals at Pinnacle Care Internal Medicine use to determine if your nerves are operating as they should. This simple but effective test can alert them to the presence of any blockages in your nerve pathways.

To test the performance of your nerve conducting, a Pinnacle Care Internal Medicine staff member affixes electrodes to the skin over the nerve they want to test. The electrodes will be held in place using tape or a sticky paste.

Then, one electrode stimulates the nerve as the second electrode records its resulting activity. By measuring how long it takes that electrical impulse to travel your nerve, they can determine if any portion of your nerve cell is damaged, if your nerve cell has lost its fatty insulation, and if it’s blocked.

Why do I need a nerve conduction study?

The nerve conduction study helps the Pinnacle Care Internal Medicine team determine if there are any abnormalities with your nerves. This helps them diagnose a range of sensations, including tingling, numbness, or even pain.

A nerve conduction study is useful in diagnosing a number of nerve-related conditions, including:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Guillain-Barré syndrome
• Diphtheria
• Herniated disc disease
• Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
• General paresis
• Alcoholic or diabetic neuropathy
• Problems with the sciatic nerve

What should I expect during my nerve conduction study?

Getting ready for your nerve conduction study is relatively simple. You won’t need to fast and, generally, you don’t need sedation during your appointment.

Make sure you stop using lotions, oils, or any other topical treatments on your skin a few days before your nerve conduction study, so the electrodes can be securely put in place.

On the day of your appointment, wear loose-fitting clothing to make it easy for the Pinnacle Care Internal Medicine team to access the nerves that need to be studied.

Once the team fixes the electrodes in place, you’ll feel a small shock as the electrical signal is sent to your nerve. It may be mildly uncomfortable, but it will pass very quickly. You shouldn’t have any pain after the test.

Whether you’re experiencing an unexplained sensation or you already know you need a nerve conduction study, Pinnacle Care Internal Medicine is ready to help. Call them or book your appointment online today.