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Nerve conduction studies
NEUROPHYSIOLOGY TESTS
Our neurophysiology experts can carry out different sensory and muscle tests to measure your nerve impulses
Our locations
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
What are nerve conduction studies?
Nerve conduction studies help measure the speed at which nerves send messages to the brain. This is done by placing electrodes on your skin.
Your consultant then uses electrical activity to record how fast impulse moves along a nerve. The tests normally lasts no longer than one hour.
Need to know
Dependent on what your consultant feels necessary, there may be three parts to the test:
1. Sensory nerve testing (SNT) - Assesses nerves supplying sensation - Electrodes are placed on fingers and other body parts (same for MNT) - You will feel a repetitive tapping sensation (same MNT) - Measures delays in nerve messages along your limbs
2. Motor nerve testing (MNT) - Measures nerve supply to your muscles - As the muscle twitches, any delay will provide your consultant with vital information
3. EMG testing - A small electrode needle carrying a recording wire is inserted into your muscle. Your consultant measures muscle reactivity on a screen
Your consultant will explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have. Please inform us in advance if you have been fitted with a pacemaker for your heart.
You should be able to go home as normal shortly after the test. Your consultant will contact you as soon as they receive the results of the nerve studies. They can then arrange a follow-up appointment with you to discuss the next steps.