Nerve Conduction Study (NCS)
At Maruti Scans and Labs, we offer Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) to help diagnose and evaluate nerve and muscle disorders. This non-invasive test measures how well your nerves transmit electrical signals, aiding in the accurate assessment of conditions causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms and legs.
What is a Nerve Conduction Study?
A Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) is a diagnostic test that evaluates the function of motor and sensory nerves in the body. Small electrodes are placed on the skin over specific nerves, and a mild electrical impulse is delivered to stimulate the nerve. The response is recorded to measure the speed and strength of the electrical signal as it travels through the nerve.
Abnormal results may indicate nerve damage or compression, such as in carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, or radiculopathy.
Why is an NCS Done?
Your doctor may recommend a nerve conduction study if you experience:
- Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the hands or feet
- Muscle weakness or cramping
- Pain in the arms, legs, neck, or back
- Suspected nerve injury or compression (e.g., sciatica, cubital tunnel)
- Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy (common in diabetes)
NCS helps diagnose conditions such as:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Ulnar nerve entrapment
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Guillain-Barré syndrome
- Sciatic nerve dysfunction
- Nerve damage due to injury or systemic disease
Types of Nerve Conduction Studies
- Motor NCS: Measures the response of muscles to nerve stimulation, assessing motor nerve function
- Sensory NCS: Evaluates the function of sensory nerves by recording signals from the nerve itself
- F-wave Study: Assesses nerve conduction between the limb and spinal cord
- H-reflex Study: Evaluates reflex pathways, often used in diagnosing S1 radiculopathy
Preparation for Your NCS
- No fasting or special preparation is required
- Take your regular medications unless instructed otherwise
- Avoid applying lotions, oils, or creams to your skin on the day of the test, as they can interfere with electrode placement
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing
- Inform our staff if you have a pacemaker or other implanted device (though NCS is generally safe)
What to Expect During the Test
- You will sit or lie comfortably while small surface electrodes are taped to your skin over the nerves being tested
- A mild electrical impulse is delivered through one electrode to stimulate the nerve—this may feel like a brief tingling or tapping sensation, but it is not painful
- The response is recorded by other electrodes placed along the nerve pathway
- The test measures:
- Latency: How quickly the nerve responds
- Conduction Velocity: How fast the signal travels (normal nerves conduct up to 120 mph)
- Amplitude: Strength of the signal, indicating the number of functioning nerve fibers
- The entire test typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how many nerves are studied
- NCS is often followed by an Electromyography (EMG) test, if recommended by your doctor
- The entire test typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how many nerves are studied
- NCS is often followed by an Electromyography (EMG) test, if recommended by your doctor
Understanding Your Results
- Normal conduction: Healthy nerve function
- Slowed conduction: Suggests nerve compression or demyelination
- Reduced amplitude: Indicates axonal damage or loss
Your report will be shared with your referring physician for diagnosis and treatment planning.
Why Choose Maruti Scans and Labs?
- Conducted by trained neurodiagnostic technicians using advanced equipment
- Accurate, reliable results with quick turnaround
- Patient-centered care with clear explanation of the procedure
- Safe, non-invasive, and well-tolerated by most patients
Nerve Conduction Study Available Locations
NCS services are available at:
- Velachery
- Ambattur
- Tiruvallur
At Maruti Scans and Labs, we are committed to delivering precise neurological diagnostics to support early detection and effective management of nerve-related conditions.