Your physician may request a nerve study to evaluate your nerve and muscle function. There are two parts to the nerve study: Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) and Needle Electromyography (EMG). It is important that both procedures be conducted to reach an accurate conclusion(s).
- During a Nerve Conduction Study (NCS), a stimulus is applied to your nerves at different sites and the quality of your body’s response to the impulse is measured.
• During a Needle Electromyography (EMG), a very small needle is placed in one muscle at a time allowing us to evaluate the signals your nerves transmit into different muscles while you are at rest and as you move.
Expertise You Can Trust
All nerve studies conducted at Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center are performed by experienced, board-credentialed examiners. While some facilities employ technicians, our examiners are licensed to conduct nerve tests and interpret test results. Our team of professionals has extensive experience conducting nerve studies and will guide you every step of the way through each procedure to make you comfortable.
What to Expect
• A nerve study usually takes between 45 minutes to 2 hours depending upon the testing requested and the nature of your symptoms.
• Most patients prefer to sit during the upper limb studies, but you may lie down if you prefer.
• Please do not bring guests, including family members to your appointment.
• Minors: Patients less than 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is at least 21 years of age.
• If your primary language is not English, please bring an interpreter with you to the study. Worker’s Comp patients should contact their worker’s comp insurance company so that a translator can be coordinated for your appointment.
• Please bring with you or send in advance copies of any prior nerve studies.
If you are scheduled for a Nerve Study, please click the Patient Information link below for detailed information about your appointment.
Patient Information