Nerve conduction studies
Nerve Conduction Studies
Nerve conduction studies (pronunciation: nɜːrv kənˈdʌkʃən ˈstʌdiz) are diagnostic tests that measure the speed and intensity of electrical signals that travel along the peripheral nerves. These studies are often used in conjunction with electromyography (EMG) to diagnose or rule out neuromuscular diseases.
Etymology
The term "nerve conduction studies" is derived from the English words "nerve" (from Old English nerv, from Latin nervus meaning "sinew, tendon, nerve"), "conduction" (from Latin conductionem meaning "a bringing together"), and "studies" (from Old English studie, from Latin studium meaning "study, application").
Procedure
During a nerve conduction study, small electrodes are placed on the skin over the peripheral nerves. A mild and brief electrical stimulus is applied to one part of the nerve, and the resulting electrical activity is recorded from another part of the nerve. This process is repeated for each nerve being tested. The speed (conduction velocity) and size (amplitude) of the responses are then measured and compared to normal values.
Related Terms
- Electrodiagnostic medicine: The medical subspecialty that uses neurophysiologic techniques to diagnose, evaluate, and treat patients with impairments of the neurologic, neuromuscular, and/or muscular systems.
- Neuropathy: A term that refers to diseases or malfunctions of the nerves.
- Myopathy: A disease of muscle tissue.
- Neurologist: A doctor who specializes in treating diseases of the nervous system.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Nerve conduction studies
- Wikipedia's article - Nerve conduction studies
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