What is a nerve conduction study and what does it test for?
A nerve conduction study (NCS) is a diagnostic test that measures how quickly and how well electrical signals travel through your peripheral nerves. It is used to detect damage, dysfunction, or disease affecting the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Deccan Hardikar Hospital in Pune offers NCS as part of its comprehensive neurology diagnostics programme, helping clinicians accurately identify peripheral nerve disorders.
The test involves placing electrodes on the skin over specific nerves. A mild electrical impulse is delivered, and the speed and strength of the nerve's response are recorded. Results help neurologists distinguish between nerve damage and muscle disorders, and identify the location and severity of the problem.
Note: NCS is often performed alongside an electromyography (EMG) test for a more complete picture of nerve and muscle function.
What conditions are diagnosed with EMG and nerve conduction study?
NCS and EMG together are among the most reliable tools for diagnosing a wide range of neurological and neuromuscular conditions. At Deccan Hardikar Hospital in Pune, the neuro care team uses these tests to evaluate the following conditions:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome — compression of the median nerve at the wrist
- Peripheral neuropathy — nerve damage often linked to diabetes, alcohol use, or nutritional deficiencies
- Guillain-Barré syndrome — an autoimmune condition causing rapid nerve damage
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease — an inherited peripheral nerve disorder
- Radiculopathy — nerve root compression from a herniated disc or spinal stenosis
- Ulnar nerve entrapment — compression at the elbow or wrist
- Myasthenia gravis — a neuromuscular junction disorder
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) — a progressive motor neuron disease
- Thoracic outlet syndrome — nerve compression between the collarbone and first rib
NCS helps differentiate between axonal damage (nerve fibre loss) and demyelination (damage to the nerve's protective sheath), which directly guides treatment decisions.
What is the difference between EMG and a nerve conduction study?
Although EMG and NCS are frequently ordered together, they measure different aspects of the nervous system. Understanding the distinction helps patients know what to expect.
| Feature | Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) | Electromyography (EMG) |
|---|---|---|
| What it measures | Speed and strength of electrical signals in nerves | Electrical activity within muscles |
| Method | Surface electrodes on skin | Fine needle electrode inserted into muscle |
| Primary use | Peripheral nerve damage, entrapment, demyelination | Muscle disease, motor neuron disorders |
| Discomfort level | Mild electrical tingling | Brief discomfort from needle insertion |
| Duration | 20–60 minutes depending on nerves tested | Varies; often performed in the same session |
When both tests are performed together, clinicians can determine whether symptoms originate from the nerve, the muscle, or the junction between them — enabling more precise diagnosis and treatment planning.
How is a nerve conduction velocity test performed and how long does it take?
A nerve conduction study is a non-surgical, outpatient procedure. Here is what patients can expect during the test:
- Preparation: No special fasting is required. Patients are advised to avoid applying lotions or oils to the skin on the day of the test, as these can interfere with electrode contact.
- Electrode placement: Small surface electrodes are attached to the skin over the nerve being tested and at a recording site further along the nerve pathway.
- Electrical stimulation: A brief, controlled electrical pulse is delivered through the stimulating electrode. Patients typically feel a mild tingling or twitching sensation.
- Signal recording: The recording electrode captures the nerve's response. The machine calculates conduction velocity, amplitude, and latency.
- Multiple nerves tested: Depending on the clinical question, several nerves in the arms, legs, or both may be evaluated in the same session.
- Results review: The neurologist interprets the findings and correlates them with the patient's symptoms and clinical examination.
A standard NCS session takes approximately 20 to 60 minutes. If EMG is performed in the same appointment, the combined session may last up to 90 minutes.
Tip: Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your arms and legs on the day of the test.
When should you see a neurologist for a nerve conduction study?
Consult a neurologist and ask about an NCS if you experience any of the following symptoms for more than two to four weeks, or if they are worsening:
- Persistent numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation in the hands, feet, arms, or legs
- Unexplained muscle weakness in one or more limbs
- Frequent muscle cramps or involuntary twitching
- Sharp, shooting pain that radiates along a limb
- Loss of coordination or balance without a clear cause
- Dropping objects or difficulty with fine motor tasks such as buttoning clothing
- Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome — wrist pain and hand numbness that worsens at night
- Known diabetes with new or worsening sensory changes in the feet
Warning: Sudden onset of severe weakness, paralysis, or loss of sensation — particularly after an infection or injury — requires urgent medical evaluation and should not be deferred.
A referral from a general physician is helpful but not always mandatory. Use the booking form on this page to schedule a direct consultation with the neurology team at Deccan Hardikar Hospital in Pune.
How does Deccan Hardikar Hospital support nerve conduction study and neurological diagnosis in Pune?
Deccan Hardikar Hospital in Pune, located at 1160/61, University Road, Shivajinagar, is a NABH Pre-Accredited superspeciality hospital with five decades of surgical and clinical excellence. The hospital's Neuroscience department provides integrated neurological diagnostics, including nerve conduction studies and EMG, supported by modern diagnostic equipment and a multidisciplinary clinical team.
Patients benefit from:
- Dedicated neurology and neurosurgery services under one roof, enabling seamless transition from diagnosis to treatment
- Transparent cost structure with no hidden charges for diagnostic procedures
- Patient-centric care with clear communication of test findings and next steps
- In-house histopathology laboratory for complementary diagnostic workup when required
- Access to neurosurgical intervention if findings indicate a structural cause requiring surgical management
- Support from allied specialities including advanced diagnostics for comprehensive evaluation
Book a consultation at Deccan Hardikar Hospital
Use the booking form on this page to schedule your nerve conduction study or neurology consultation in Pune.