The Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) test is a diagnostic procedure that measures how fast electrical signals travel through your nerves.
It helps identify nerve damage and assess how well your nerves function.
Also called a nerve conduction study (NCS), the test finds out how fast an electrical impulse moves through the nerve. Healthy nerves transmit electrical signals more rapidly than damaged nerves. It allows your doctor to differentiate between a nerve disorder and a condition where a nerve injury has affected the muscles. Your doctor may advise this test to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, herniated disc disease, and muscle disorders.
✅ To detect nerve damage or compression
✅ To diagnose conditions such as:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Peripheral Neuropathy (common in diabetes)
Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Sciatica
Herniated discs
Brachial or lumbosacral plexus injuries
✅ To monitor recovery after injury or surgery
✅ To evaluate muscle weakness, tingling, or numbness
👕 Wear loose, comfortable clothing
💊 Inform the doctor of any medications or pacemaker
❌ No fasting required
💆 Avoid using lotions or oils on the skin on the day of the test
Same Day*
Neurology
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Mild discomfort is possible, but the test is generally well tolerated.
Yes. It's non-invasive and uses low-level electrical signals.
It’s excellent for large nerve conditions. For smaller or deeper nerves, it is usually combined with an EMG (Electromyography) test.
Usually no, but inform your doctor if you’re on blood thinners or nerve medications.
