What it means
Small electrode patches are placed on the skin over a nerve, and a brief, mild electrical pulse is given; the machine records how quickly the signal moves and how strong it is. It shows nerve damage and where it is, as in carpal tunnel syndrome or peripheral neuropathy. It is often done together with electromyography (EMG).
For the nurse
Teach the client to wash off lotions and oils beforehand and to expect brief tingling or twitching with each pulse.
At a glance
| Also written | nerve conduction study, nerve conduction studies, nerve conduction velocity |
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Related terms
neuron
A nerve cell: a cell that carries electrical and chemical signals through the nervous system.
peripheral nervous system
All the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, which link them to the rest of the body.