What does EMG NCS test for?
What does EMG NCS test for?
What does an EMG/NCS test for? The test is used to assess the health of muscle tissue and the peripheral nervous system, which includes all the nerves outside the brain and the spinal cord. It evaluates common conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and peripheral neuropathy.
What is NCS report?
A nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test — also called a nerve conduction study (NCS) — measures how fast an electrical impulse moves through your nerve. NCV can identify nerve damage. During the test, your nerve is stimulated, usually with electrode patches attached to your skin.
What are normal NCV results?
A nerve conduction velocity between 50 and 60 meters per second is generally considered to be in the normal range. However, any result has to be examined along with other information. Your doctor will compare the results of your test against a standard, or norm, of conduction velocities.
What is abnormal NCS?
NCS results: Abnormal results on an NCS almost always occur from nerve damage that’s due to conduction block, axonopathy (the nerve fiber is damaged), or demyelination (damage to or loss of the outer insulating layer of nerves).
What can an NCS diagnose?
NCS and EMG tests help diagnose neuromuscular conditions including the following:
- Focal nerve damage, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Diffuse nerve damage, for example, diabetes-related polyneuropathy.
- Diseases of nerve roots, for instance, herniated disc.
- Pinched nerve (radiculopathy) in the neck and lower back.
Can damaged nerves be repaired?
Sometimes a section of a nerve is cut completely or damaged beyond repair. Your surgeon can remove the damaged section and reconnect healthy nerve ends (nerve repair) or implant a piece of nerve from another part of your body (nerve graft). These procedures can help your nerves regrow.