Cervical radiculopathy or lumbar radiculopathy - pressure on the nerve roots coming from the spinal cord as they exit the spinal column from the neck or lower back.
Ulnar nerve entrapment - pressure on the ulnar nerve as it passes behind the elbow or, more rarely, as it crosses the wrist.Thoracic outlet syndrome - pressure on the brachial plexus, a cluster of nerves that passes under the collarbone at the shoulder.Carpal tunnel syndrome - pressure on the median nerve at the wrist as it passes between the wrist bones and under the transverse ligament.These conditions are called compressive neuropathies and include: Your orthopaedist may recommend electrodiagnostic testing for various conditions that can result from pressure on a nerve, especially in the arm, elbow, or wrist. The shock is like one received when you touch a doorknob after walking across carpeting. Nerve conduction studies also may be used during treatment to monitor nerve recovery after injury.Īlthough you may initially be startled by the suddenness of the stimulation, it is not very painful, and most people are quite comfortable during the testing procedure. By stimulating the nerve at various places, the doctor can determine the specific site of nerve issues.If the nerve is damaged, however, the signal will be slower and weaker. In healthy nerves, strong electrical signals can travel at up to 120 miles per hour. As the current travels down the nerve pathway, the electrodes placed along the way capture the signal and time how fast the signal is traveling. The doctor then stimulates the nerve with an electric current.The doctor conducting the test will apply wires (electrodes) to the skin in various places along the nerve pathway.NCS are often done along with the EMG to determine whether a nerve is functioning normally. The tests can typically be done in less than an hour.
These tests are usually administered by a neurologist (a doctor who specializes in the study of the nerves) or a physiatrist (a physical medicine and rehabilitation, or PM&R, specialist). This process is called electrodiagnostic testing. If you have pain, weakness, or numbness in your back, neck, or limbs, measuring the speed and degree of electrical activity in your muscles and nerves can help your doctor make a proper diagnosis. Injuries or diseases that affect nerves and muscles can slow or halt the movement of these electrical signals.
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