Our nerves act as the body’s electrical wiring system — carrying messages between the brain, spinal cord, and muscles. When something goes wrong in this system, symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain may appear.
To pinpoint the cause of such symptoms, doctors often recommend Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) — a diagnostic test that measures how efficiently electrical impulses travel through the nerves.
At Sparsh Diagnostic Centre, Kolkata, we provide advanced NCS testing to help detect peripheral nerve disorders, neuropathies, and muscle-related conditions with precision and comfort.
What Is a Nerve Conduction Study (NCS)?
A Nerve Conduction Study (also known as a Nerve Conduction Velocity test or NCV test) is a diagnostic procedure used to assess the speed and strength of electrical signals as they travel through your peripheral nerves.
It helps determine whether nerve damage is present, how severe it is, and which specific nerves are affected.
In this test, small electrodes are placed on the skin along a nerve’s pathway. A mild electrical pulse is then delivered to stimulate the nerve, and the resulting signal is measured.
By analyzing the signal’s speed (conduction velocity) and amplitude (strength), neurologists can detect abnormalities that suggest nerve injury or disease.
Why Is a Nerve Conduction Study Done?
Doctors may recommend NCS when you experience symptoms such as:
Muscle weakness or loss of reflexes
Pain, burning, or shooting sensations
Loss of coordination or difficulty walking
Suspected nerve compression or entrapment (like carpal tunnel syndrome)
Common Conditions Diagnosed by NCS
Nerve Conduction Studies are valuable in diagnosing conditions such as:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Compression of the median nerve at the wrist.
Ulnar Nerve Entrapment – Nerve compression at the elbow (cubital tunnel syndrome).
Peripheral Neuropathy – Often caused by diabetes, infections, or vitamin deficiencies.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) – An autoimmune disorder affecting peripheral nerves.
Radiculopathy – Nerve root injury in the neck or lower back.
Sciatic Nerve Injury – Compression or damage to the sciatic nerve.
Myasthenia Gravis and Muscular Dystrophies (when used alongside EMG).
In essence, NCS helps pinpoint whether your symptoms arise from a nerve, muscle, or neuromuscular junction problem.
Difference Between Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) and Electromyography (EMG)
Although both tests assess nerve and muscle function, they have distinct purposes and techniques:
| Feature | Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) | Electromyography (EMG) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Measures how well electrical signals travel through nerves | Measures electrical activity in muscles |
| Method | Electrodes placed on skin stimulate and record nerve response | Thin needle electrode inserted into muscle tissue |
| Pain Level | Mild discomfort from electrical stimulation | Slight discomfort from needle insertion |
| Focus | Nerve function | Muscle function |
| Often Performed Together? | Yes – for a complete nerve and muscle assessment | Yes – complements NCS results |
At Sparsh Diagnostic Centre, both EMG and NCS/NCV are often done in the same session for a comprehensive evaluation of nerve and muscle health.
How to Prepare for a Nerve Conduction Study
Preparation for an NCS is simple, but a few precautions can help ensure accurate results:
Before the Test
Avoid lotions, oils, or creams on your skin before the test, as they can interfere with electrode contact.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the test area.
Inform your doctor about any pacemaker or implanted medical devices you may have.
Continue medications unless your doctor instructs otherwise.
If you have diabetes, bleeding disorders, or nerve-related conditions, share this with your technician.
Special Instructions
Remove any metal jewelry in the test area.
Stay relaxed and calm during the procedure — tension can affect nerve conduction speed.
The NCS Procedure: What to Expect
The NCS is a safe, non-invasive, and relatively quick test. It typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of nerves being examined.
Step-by-Step Process
Preparation:
The technician identifies the nerve to be tested and cleans the skin area with alcohol.Electrode Placement:
Small surface electrodes (similar to ECG pads) are attached to the skin — one to stimulate the nerve and another to record the response.Electrical Stimulation:
A brief, mild electrical pulse is delivered to the nerve. You may feel a quick tingling or tapping sensation.Response Measurement:
The machine records the time it takes for the electrical impulse to travel between the electrodes (nerve conduction velocity).Data Analysis:
The neurologist analyzes the results to determine whether the nerve is functioning normally or shows signs of damage.
Duration:
Each nerve takes only a few minutes to test. Most patients experience only mild, temporary discomfort.
After the Test
You can resume normal activities immediately after an NCS. There’s no downtime or recovery period.
Some people may experience slight redness or tingling at the electrode sites, but this fades quickly.
The test results are interpreted by a neurologist and shared with your referring doctor to plan appropriate treatment.
Interpreting NCS Results
The results of a Nerve Conduction Study provide valuable information about the health and function of your nerves.
Key Parameters:
Conduction Velocity:
Measures how fast electrical signals travel through the nerve. A slower velocity may indicate nerve damage or demyelination.Amplitude:
Reflects the strength of the signal. A lower amplitude may mean axonal damage (nerve fiber injury).Latency:
The time between stimulation and response. Prolonged latency can indicate compression or blockages.
By combining these parameters, doctors can distinguish between nerve compression, axonal degeneration, and demyelinating neuropathies.
Is the Test Safe?
Yes — Nerve Conduction Studies are completely safe. The electrical impulses used are very low and pose no risk of injury or long-term side effects.
It’s suitable for adults, children, and even elderly patients. However, those with pacemakers or implantable devices should inform the technician before the test.
Advantages of Nerve Conduction Studies
Accurate diagnosis of nerve disorders
Early detection of neuropathies and compressive syndromes
Non-invasive and painless for most patients
Guides treatment and helps monitor disease progression
Often combined with EMG for a complete neurodiagnostic assessment
Where to Get a Nerve Conduction Study in Kolkata
At Sparsh Diagnostic Centre, we provide advanced Nerve Conduction Studies using state-of-the-art equipment operated by experienced neurologists and technicians.
Our diagnostic services are designed to ensure:
Accurate results
Comfortable testing experience
Quick turnaround time
Personalized reports and consultation
If you’re experiencing unexplained tingling, numbness, or weakness, consult your doctor and book an NCS test with us for a clear diagnosis and timely treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the purpose of a Nerve Conduction Study?
An NCS evaluates how well your peripheral nerves transmit electrical signals. It helps diagnose nerve damage or diseases such as neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, and radiculopathy.
2. Is a Nerve Conduction Study painful?
The electrical impulses may cause mild tingling or twitching, but the discomfort is minimal and temporary. The test is generally well-tolerated.
3. How long does the test take?
The procedure usually takes 30–60 minutes, depending on the number of nerves tested.
4. Do I need to fast before the test?
No fasting is required. You can eat and take your regular medications unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.
5. Can NCS detect all types of nerve problems?
NCS is excellent for detecting peripheral nerve disorders but may be combined with Electromyography (EMG) or MRI for a complete evaluation of neuromuscular or spinal issues.
6. What are normal NCS results?
Normal results show signals that travel quickly and with normal amplitude. Slowed or reduced signals indicate nerve damage or compression.
7. Are there any risks involved?
There are no major risks. Some patients might experience minor skin irritation where electrodes were placed, which resolves quickly.
8. Can I drive home after the test?
Yes. The NCS has no after-effects, and you can drive or return to work immediately after the test.
9. How should I choose a diagnostic centre for NCS?
Choose a facility like Sparsh Diagnostic Centre that has:
Qualified neurologists
Modern NCS equipment
Clean, comfortable environment
Quick and accurate reporting
10. Is NCS covered by insurance?
Many insurance policies cover NCS as part of a neurological evaluation. Check with your provider or diagnostic centre for details.
A Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) is an essential diagnostic tool for evaluating the health of your peripheral nerves. It helps identify the cause of symptoms like tingling, numbness, or weakness and guides appropriate treatment plans.
At Sparsh Diagnostic Centre, Kolkata, we combine expert care, advanced technology, and patient comfort to deliver accurate and timely nerve conduction results.
If you suspect a nerve problem or experience unexplained muscle weakness, talk to your doctor about getting an NCS test — because early diagnosis can make all the difference.
✅ Book your Nerve Conduction Study today at Sparsh Diagnostic Centre, Kolkata.
Visit: https://www.sparshdiagnostica.com
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