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What Are Conduction Studies?

Nerve conduction tests or studies is a medical testing procedure that checks for nerve conditions that cause weakness, numbness and pain. Such tests are performed to locate the source of atypical nerve sensations and help with diagnosing and resolving nerve conditions and damages.

  1. Why They're Performed

    • Nerve conduction studies are performed for three distinct reasons. The primary reason is to locate and evaluate the severity of nerve damage on nerves that lead away from the brain and spinal cord to the small sets of nerves that branch out of the main sets. A secondary reason is to diagnose nerve disorders, such as carpal-tunnel, and find out what condition patients have specifically, if any. These tests also are used to find where atypical numbness, tingling and pain may be coming from, or where it is, if the feeling is ambiguous.

    Procedure Details

    • When a nerve conduction study is performed, several flat metal electrode discs are adhered to the patient's skin. The electrodes emit a shock directly over the spot where they are placed, typically on the surrounding muscles. As several brief electrical pulses are sent to the nerve sites, the patient will experience a slight burning or tingling sensation, as well as muscle twitching. Initially, the test can induce some discomfort. However, it is not very long in duration.

    Data Recorded

    • The study records the amount of time it takes the muscles to contract in response to the electrical pulse that is sent out. The response's speed is called its "conduction velocity," which is where the study takes its name. Conduction studies are typically performed to record data prior to other neurological tests. Typically, a study takes about 15 minutes to one hour to complete, which depends on the number of nerve areas and muscles being examined.

    Results

    • The results of the nerve conduction study show whether the nerves that were studied are transmitting electrical impulses to the muscles or to sensory nerves at normal speeds, or conduction velocities. Slower conduction velocities can indicate nerve disorders and damage. Regardless if any condition is diagnosed, conduction velocities are usually decreased as people reach older age.

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