What is NCS testing? All that your client can expect when they come in for testing at Integrity Diagnostics
Do you have a client complaining of numbness or tingling in their body–such as their wrist, fingers, or legs? You’ll likely have requested that they undergo a nerve conduction study (NCS), a key test that can help root out the source of their symptoms related to nerve damage. But what is NCS testing?
It’s a procedure that measures the speed of electrical activity in a nerve. We often perform it alongside EMG (electromyography) testing, which measures the electrical activity in the muscles. At Integrity Diagnostics, we provide comprehensive diagnostic services to the Snellville community, including NCS testing.
An NCS test is a relatively simple process requiring minimal preparation. However, your client may still be curious about what to expect when you come in for testing. Keep reading to learn more about the test, or call our clinic to speak to one of our staff. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have.
What Conditions Can NCS Testing Identify?
NCS testing is primarily used to diagnose nerve damage or disease. Certain symptoms are common among nerve disorders, including numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness in the affected area. An NCS test gives your client’s team a fuller picture of their body’s nervous system for a more accurate diagnosis.
Here are just some of the common conditions (and their symptoms) that an NCS test can help identify:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome, which causes pain, tingling, or numbness in your hand(s) and fingers
- Sciatica, which is due to irritation of injury of the nerve roots and causes sharp, shooting pain in your leg(s) and/or foot.
- Guillain-Barré syndrome, an autoimmune disorder first marked by significant weakness or tingling in the legs
- Bell’s palsy, a neurological disorder that causes paralysis or weakness on one side of your face
- Peripheral neuropathy, a type of nerve damage caused by injury, disease, or medication that leads to pain and numbness in your hands and/or feet
Keep in mind that NCS testing can identify other types of nerve damage, so there are many more conditions that an NCS testing might be able to detect. Our team can let you and your client know which conditions they might expect based on their exact symptoms.
What to Expect During an NCS Testing Session
There’s very little your client needs to do in preparation for an NCS test. Perhaps the most important is to let us know if you have a pacemaker or similar device. While the test should still be safe in those circumstances, we may need to adjust the process slightly. Similarly, their doctor may give them personalized instructions, so let them know to follow those, too!
A few days before the test, they will need to stop using any lotions or oils on their skin, as these can interfere with the results. And when getting dressed on the day of the test, they should choose comfortable clothing that provides easy access to the affected area. They should also avoid wearing jewelry or other metal objects, too, as they’ll need to remove those before the test.
During the test, we’ll ask the client to sit or lie down, depending on the area requiring testing. One of our diagnostic specialists will locate the nerve that needs to be tested and attach a recording electrode to the skin of the area. They’ll then place a stimulating electrode elsewhere on their body.
The test itself will consist of a mild electrical shock that runs through the stimulating electrode. This burst of electricity stimulates the affected nerve, allowing us to take the necessary measurements. Some people experience minor discomfort (usually a tingling sensation) during the procedure, although it should only last for a second or two.
Our specialist will measure the time it takes for the client’s testing muscle to respond to the electrical pulse. If the time is slower than it should be, that can indicate nerve damage or another nerve disorder.
Most sessions last between 30 – 90 minutes, depending on which areas require testing and whether the client receives an EMG test, which will typically follow the NCS test.
Request an Appointment To Learn More
Nerve conduction tests are a simple, common procedure that can help identify any number of neurological conditions. At Integrity Diagnostics, our team will work to ensure your client’s testing experience is as quick and comfortable as possible. We’ll also ensure you receive a full report within 24-48 hours.
If one of your clients requires an NCS, call us to set up a referral today!
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