|
|
 |
Nerve Conduction Testing (NCT) Information: Nerve conduction studies (NCT) are specific and sensitive tests designed to study and evaluate diseases of the nerves. Your physician orders nerve conduction studies when there is a concern of a disease process, which may be affecting your nerves. Nerve conduction studies are helpful is detecting the cause of numbness, tingling, pain, weakness and muscle cramps. The information acquired during a nerve conduction study (NCT) gives the physician significant information into the possible cause and location of nerve damage, thus assisting in the appropriate treatment and therapy or determining the need for more specific testing. Nerve conduction testing (NCT) measures the nerve impulses traveling through the nerve. The tests are carried out in one or several locations looking for potential nerve injury. How NCT is performed A technician places round metallic electrodes on the skin over the nerve at various locations of the body. A low intensity electric current is introduced to stimulate the nerves. The velocity at which the resulting electric impulses are transmitted through the nerves is determined when images of the impulses are projected on an oscilloscope or computer screen. Most neuropathies are caused by damage to the nerve's axon rather than damage to the myelin sheath surrounding the nerve. If a response is slower than normal, damage to the myelin sheath is implied. If the height of the response's amplitude is low with a relatively normal speed of conduction, damage to the nerve axon is implied. There is minimal if any discomfort with the test because the electrical stimulus is small and is usually not felt by the patient. These tests may help your doctor determine if your problem is due to a nerve abnormality. They must, however, be viewed in association with imaging studies such as an MRI and a complete physical examination. A compressed nerve root in the neck or back may be a source of pain but these tests could still be normal. These tests are also normal when the problem is due to a spinal cord abnormality. Patient Preparation: Patient preparation is minimal for the nerve conduction study. The extremity being tested should be clean and free of oil, dirt, cologne/perfumes and powders. Avoid the use of body lotion on the day of the test on any extremity to be tested. A gown may be necessary and will be provided. Medication and meals can be taken prior to the study and will not affect the outcome of the test. The test usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the number of nerves being evaluated. The patient will be able to return to their normal, usual daily activities following the test. Report Generation: Reports will be prepared and obtainable to the primary care physician within 24 to 48 hours of the test. A physician referral is needed to schedule an appointment. Appointments will be available on the second and fourth Wednesday mornings each month. |
||||||||
| 535 South Freeborn, Marion, Kansas 66861 (620) 382-2177 | |||||||||
