A Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) Test is a safe, non-invasive diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the health and function of the body's peripheral nerves. The test measures how quickly electrical signals travel through a nerve, helping doctors identify nerve damage, compression, or disorders affecting the nervous system.
NCV testing is commonly recommended to diagnose and monitor a variety of nerve-related conditions, including:
During the NCV test, small electrodes are placed on the skin over the nerve being examined. A mild electrical impulse is delivered to stimulate the nerve, and the speed and strength of the nerve's response are recorded. The procedure is generally well tolerated, takes about 20–60 minutes, and provides valuable information for diagnosing nerve disorders. In many cases, NCV is performed along with an Electromyography (EMG) test to provide a comprehensive evaluation of nerve and muscle function, helping doctors recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.