What is NCV test ?

The NCV test or Nerve Conduction Velocity is an electrical test, which is used to assess the nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test nerve damage and nerve disease. It determines how fast the signals are transferred through peripheral nerves. (Peripheral veins are located outside the brain and on the vertebrae side, which helps our muscles to control and experience the senses). Healthy veins send electric signals faster and more power than expected damaged veins.


NCV is also sometimes known as the process of Nerve Conduction Studies. Your doctor may order you to test the NVV (Nerve Conduction Velocity) after signs of symptoms like numbness, tingling, and excitement. NCV test is usually used to diagnose neural damage (damage) or nerve disease. This allows test doctors to differentiate between nerve injury and nerve disorder. In addition, this test can be quite helpful for the physician to differentiate between the injury of the nerve fiber and the injury of the myelin cover (which cover the nerve from the surrounding).


How NCV Test is Performed ?

The NCV test is done by a qualified neurologist. During the process, flat patches called electrodes are placed on your skin, in intervals, placed on the nerves of different parts of your body. This patch is similar to the patches used during the ECG. Electronic patch sends out the low intensity electrical impulse, which stimulates the nerve. These impulses are used to record the nerve's electrical activity.


In general, before an NCV test, you can speak for removal of things in the process such as hair pin, clothes, jewellery and any metal item. Then you will be asked to lie directly on a table, where the neurologist will detect your vein to check, after which the electrode is connected to your body with the help of a special paste. These inspirational electrodes are kept away from the recording electrodes. The results of the NCV test can be seen on a monitor, which displays electrical activity in the form of waves.


This whole process is simple and is not particularly painful. However, you may feel slight shock or discomfort. Once the procedure is complete, the patient can do his regular activities until the doctor has advised otherwise. The results of NCV are based on the degree of presence of the myelin sheath on the diameter of the nerve and the axon of the nerve. The normal value of NCV is about half of the infants in adults.


This is the result of an abnormal NCV test if the reaction of the electrical current is slower than normal. This can be the cause of damage to the nerve, including:

Preparations for NCV Test:

There is no special preparation required for the NCV test process. However, make sure that your body temperature is normal, because if the body temperature is low, then it can slow the nerve conduction. If the weather is very cold, then you can talk to your doctor to sit in a warm room a few minutes before the test.


Generally, no fasting is needed before the test. If you take any kind of medicine then inform your doctor before the test. In addition, if you are a patient of cardiac defibrillator or pacemaker then inform your doctor for this too. Wear comfortable clothes and avoid wearing jewelry, watches or anything metal, which can interfere with the process.


Any Side Effects and Threats of NCV Test:

The effects of nerve conduction test can not be high. This procedure is very generalized in patients, rarely with any neurological disease, some side effects will usually be well tolerated. However, like all other electronic devices, with patches, the risk of current leakage and may cause an electrolytic injury in very rare cases. In addition, some precautions need to be taken with patients with pacemakers and other similar cardiovascular devicesnnn