What is it?

• it evaluates the health of peripheral nerves (motor and/or sensory)
• it measures the speed of an impulse traveling along a motor nerve (one that goes to a muscle) or a sensory nerve (one that detects sensations)

How long does it take?

• 1-1/2 to 2 hours combined with EMG

Why is an NCV performed?

• if you are experiencing muscle weakness, numbness, nerve injury, mechanical nerve pressure, or nerve disorders due to a variety of diseases

Does it hurt?

• during the test, your muscles may twitch or tingle and there may be some discomfort
• the NCV is NOT a shock treatment or a therapy of any kind

How many NCVs are conducted each year?

• over 1,700

Where is it conducted

• the Electromyography Lab
• Lower Level of Carver Pavilion

What should you do to prepare for the test?

• take a bath or shower to remove oils from the skin
• do not use body lotion on the day of the test
• eat normal meals
• continue to take prescribed medications, unless your doctor gives you other instructions
• if you are currently taking Mestinon, check with your doctor regarding discontinuing for a minimum of 6 hours prior to testing

How is it performed?

• you will lie on an examination table
• "stimulating" and "recording" electrodes will be placed on different areas of your limbs
• a "pulse" from the stimulating electrodes will be measured by the recording electrode, which elicits a waveform

Following the test

• the electrodes will be removed
• you may return to your hospital room or go home, unless given other instructions by your doctor
• you will learn the test results from the doctor either on the day of the visit, or from a copy of the letter sent to your personal physician