NCV Test
One test that is often done is the NCV test. NCV stands for Nerve Conduction Velocity, and it is a medical test often used with electromyography, or EMG, a procedure to test for and diagnose muscle and nerve problems. This noninvasive, outpatient diagnostic exam is used to measure how quickly nerves conduct electrical signals through the body, and it is key in diagnosing or ruling out nerve damage or a nerve disorder. During an NCV test, electrode patches are placed on the muscles or nerves in question. Small electric impulses will come through some of the electrode patches to activate the nearby nerves and muscles. Other electrode patches record the electrical activity, and data is then compiled to help doctors see how a muscle contracts and rests, and it allows them to examine the reaction of the nerve to these impulses.
Why Do I Need an NCV?
Often times, orthopedic doctors will do an NCV test and an EMG test in the same day. NCV detects problems with nerves, whereas an EMG detects whether the muscle is working properly in response to the nerve’s stimulus. An NCV and EMG are needed for various reasons, such as the following:
- To find the source of any pain, cramping, tingling, or weakness
- To explore muscle weakness or limitations apart from muscle pain
- To find out if your muscles and nerves are working properly
- To determine if you have a muscle or nerve disorder
While these tests have their similarities, they are usually used in conjunction with one another to more precisely identify and diagnose the issue you are having. An EMG is focused on how a muscle responds to a stimulus to ensure that it is working properly, while an NCV detects any issues with the nerves themselves. While both of these problems often manifest themselves in similar ways, they are very different problems that need to be treated and handled accordingly.
What Can a NCV Test Help Diagnose?
If you have nerve-related or muscle-related discomfort or pain, it may be recommended that you undergo an NCV and/or EMG procedure. The primary symptoms usually include muscle weakness, tingling or numbness, or burning sensation on the arms or legs, but more symptoms can occur and they can come about in other areas of the body as well. The most common nerve disorders that are diagnosed with NCV tests include the following:
- Peripheral nerve injury
- Herniated disk disease
- Sciatic nerve problems
- Chronic inflammatory polyneuropathy and neuropathy
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease
- Guillain-Barre syndrome
Specialty-Neurologist
Neurology is the branch of medicine concerned with the study and treatment of disorders of the nervous system. The nervous system is a very complex, sophisticated system that regulates and coordinates your body’s activities. The first of the two main divisions in the central nervous system which deals with the brain and spinal cord. The second is the peripheral nervous system, which deals with things like eyes, ears, skin, and other receptors. The doctor who specializes in this type of medicine is a neurologist. Neurologists do not perform and surgery, as that duty is done by a neurosurgeon. The neurologist will treat any disorders that affect your brain, spinal cord, and nerves, such as:
- Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or ALS
- Seizures
- Speech and language disorders
- Epilepsy
- Strokes
- Multiple sclerosis
- And much more
The NCV is conducted by one of our neurologists and may be done on an outpatient basis or as part of your stay in a hospital. Procedures vary depending on your condition and your doctor’s practice. At AICA Orthopedics, all of our neurologists possess the training, experience, and expertise to diagnose and treat any type of condition that affects the central nervous system. Additionally, all of our neurologists work directly with our team of Atlanta orthopedic doctors to ensure that each patient receives comprehensive care.
Advanced NCV Technology & Experienced
NCV testing is extremely beneficial in getting to the root cause of pain and discomfort. We want you to live a pain-free life and experience optimal health each and every day, which is why we utilize the most advanced, state-of-the-art technology and diagnostic processes. Our specialists are experienced, passionate individuals who truly care about your health and wellbeing, and who are highly trained in their areas of expertise. We want to serve you and your family in getting to the core issue behind your health concerns and moving forward with relevant, effective treatment options to bring you relief and improve your quality of life.
We know that even the slightest amount of recurring nerve or muscle pain can be extremely frustrating, and we want to diagnose your nerve disorder or injury as soon as possible. As soon as your NCV test is completed, we can usually move forward with discussing treatment options and beginning your care plan that same day. If you suspect nerve damage or a nerve disorder, or if you’re simply tired of living with tingling, numbness, weakness, and burning in your muscles, make an appointment with AICA Orthopedics today. For more information about NCV testing and other nerve-related issues and treatments, contact AICA Orthopedics today. You can schedule an appointment online or call us to speak with one of our friendly staff members.
