NCV

Introduction to Nerve Conduction Velocity:

NCV testing is a vital tool in neurophysiology aimed at evaluating the health of peripheral nerves, which are responsible for transmitting sensory and motor signals between the brain, spinal cord, and the rest of the body. This non-invasive procedure helps diagnose and monitor various neurological conditions affecting nerve function, such as peripheral neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, and nerve injuries.

Why is NCV Done?

Diagnosis of Nerve Disorders: NCV is performed to diagnose and characterize a wide range of nerve disorders, including neuropathies, radiculopathies, and mononeuropathies.
Localization of Nerve Damage: It helps localize and identify the site and extent of nerve damage or compression, aiding in treatment planning and prognosis assessment.
Assessment of Nerve Function: NCV evaluates the speed and strength of nerve impulses, providing valuable information about nerve function and integrity.
Monitoring Disease Progression: NCV tests can monitor the progression of nerve disorders over time and assess the effectiveness of treatments, guiding adjustments to therapy as needed.

Benefits of NCV:

Accurate Diagnosis: NCV provides objective measurements of nerve function, enabling accurate diagnosis and differentiation of various nerve disorders.
Early Detection: It allows for the early detection of nerve damage or dysfunction, facilitating timely intervention and preventing complications.
Guided Treatment: NCV results help guide treatment decisions by providing insights into the severity and location of nerve abnormalities.
Prognostic Information: NCV findings can provide prognostic information about the course and outcome of nerve disorders, assisting in patient counseling and management planning.

Tests in NCV:

Motor Nerve Conduction Study: Measures the speed and strength of electrical impulses traveling along motor nerves, assessing muscle function and detecting abnormalities such as nerve compression or demyelination.
Sensory Nerve Conduction Study: Evaluates the conduction of sensory signals along peripheral nerves, detecting abnormalities such as sensory neuropathy or nerve damage.
F Wave Study: Assesses the integrity of nerve roots and proximal nerves by measuring the latency of F waves, which are late responses generated by antidromic activation of motor neurons.
H Reflex Study: Evaluates the function of the spinal cord and peripheral nerves by measuring the latency and amplitude of the H reflex, a monosynaptic reflex elicited by electrical stimulation of a peripheral nerve.

How Does NCV Work?

During an NCV test, small electrodes are placed on the skin overlying specific nerves, and electrical stimuli are delivered to stimulate the nerves. The electrodes record the electrical responses generated by the nerves, which are then analyzed to determine conduction velocity, latency, and amplitude. Abnormalities in these parameters can indicate nerve dysfunction or damage.

Types of NCV:

Surface NCV: Involves placing surface electrodes on the skin to stimulate and record nerve responses, suitable for routine nerve conduction studies.
Invasive NCV: Utilizes needle electrodes inserted directly into muscles or nerves for more precise stimulation and recording, often used in specialized cases or when surface electrodes yield inadequate results.
At Vedmed Diagnostic in Virar, our skilled neurophysiologists and technicians utilize state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to perform accurate and reliable NCV testing. Contact us today to schedule your NCV appointment and receive expert evaluation and diagnosis of nerve disorders.