COVID-19 UPDATE: We remain committed to providing our patients the highest level of care. If you have an upcoming visit at our office and have traveled outside your state of residence and you are currently experiencing symptoms of fever, cough or difficult

Nerve Conduction Study Specialist

Indiana Neurology and Pain Center

Interventional Pain Management Specialists & Neurologists located in Indianapolis, IN

Damaged nerves may affect body function or serve as a source of chronic pain. A nerve conduction study is a noninvasive test that helps find damaged nerves. At Indiana Neurology and Pain Center, with offices on the east and west side of Indianapolis, Indiana, neurology specialist Samiullah Kundi, MD, performs nerve conduction studies on-site, which he may combine with electromyography (EMG). To schedule a consultation to learn more about the test, call the office most convenient to you, or book an appointment online.

Nerve Conduction Study Q & A

What is a nerve conduction study?

A nerve conduction study is a diagnostic test that measures how fast electrical impulses travel through your nerves. Indiana Neurology and Pain Center performs the test to assess nerve health and function and determine if you have nerve damage.

Your nerve conduction study may confirm or rule out various conditions, including:

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Herniated disc
  • Neuropathy
  • Sciatic nerve problems
  • Guillain-BarrĂ© syndrome
  • Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

More specifically, a nerve conduction study helps determine if your symptoms result from a nerve disorder. Indiana Neurology and Pain Center may also conduct an EMG at the same time as your nerve conduction study to confirm or rule out a muscle disorder.

What happens during a nerve conduction study?

During a nerve conduction study, your Indiana Neurology and Pain Center provider attaches two electrodes on your skin over the nerve. One electrode stimulates the nerve with a very mild electrical impulse, while the other electrode records nerve activity. 

They measure the time it takes for the electrical impulse to travel between the two electrodes. The speed at which your nerve fires tells your provider a lot about the damage sustained by a specific nerve or group of nerves. 

Your provider repeats the test for all nerves suspected of causing your symptoms. 

What is electromyography (EMG)?

An EMG is a diagnostic test that assesses muscle function and the motor neurons (muscle nerves) that control them. The results of your EMG may confirm or rule out nerve or muscle dysfunction.

During the EMG, your Indiana Neurology and Pain Center provider places surface electrodes on your skin and inserts one or more small needle electrodes directly into the muscle of concern.

The surface electrodes transmit a mild electrical current at various times during the test, while your provider measures electrical activity in your muscle when at rest and when contracted. 

You may experience some discomfort from the needle electrode, but any pain resolves as soon as your provider removes the needle. 

After testing, your provider at Indiana Neurology and Pain Center reviews the findings with you and talks to you about your next steps, which may include treatment options.  

Unless directed otherwise, you can resume your usual activities after your nerve conduction study and EMG. 

To schedule a nerve conduction study at Indiana Neurology and Pain Center, call the office nearest you or book an appointment online today.