What is a Nerve Conduction test?
A nerve conduction test is an electrical test used to detect abnormalities in nerve function. An electrical stimulator placed over a nerve supplies a small electrical impulse, which travels down the nerve and is recorded by electrodes placed on the skin at a distant site. A tingling sensation, or at times mild discomfort, is experienced with the electrical impulse. The distance between the stimulator and the recording electrode, along with the time is takes for the signal to travel down the nerve, is used to calculate the speed of the nerve impulse. The speed of the nerve conduction and the size of the recorded response indicate the health of the nerve.
