Nerve Conduction Study
Your doctor has sent a request for you to have a nerve conduction study in the Clinical Neurophysiology Department at Dorset County Hospital. If you cannot attend please telephone us on 01305 255255.
Patient information sheet – please complete and bring to your appointment
| Patient’s name: Address: Date of birth: Telephone number: GP: Known medical conditions: Known allergies: | Current medication Do you have a cardiac pacemaker or similar device? Yes / No Do you take an anticoagulant to think your blood? Yes / No If you have answered yes to either questions, please telephone the department. |
| Next of Kin name: Partner / relative: (Specify) address: Telephone number: | Attached test description (below) has been read: YES/NO This leaflet gives information and advice relevant to the test. It is important that you read it before attending your appointment. |
| Escort details Name: Relationship (for example partner/relative): | Escorts We understand that you may wish to bring a family member/advocate to the appointment for support. We are happy to accommodate where appropriate, and will confirm that you are happy for that person to be present as we may need to discuss medical history. However In the interest of the test we only permit one additional person into the recording room. It is not advisable to bring children to the appointment. |
What is a nerve conduction study?
It is a test to measure how quickly your nerve impulses travel, using small electrical pulses on the surface of the skin. It can help to find out if a nerve is trapped or damaged.
How long will it take?
Nerve conduction testing usually takes between 45 and 60 minutes.
Pacemakers and defibrillators
The test may affect cardiac pacemakers or defibrillators and therefore we need to make additional arrangements for your test to be carried out.
Anticoagulant medication
It may not be possible to use a needle during the test if you take an Anticoagulant to thin your blood. We may need to liaise with the doctor who referred you, before any appointment can be confirmed. If you take Warfarin we usually like to know your latest INR reading too.
It is very important to inform us if you have a cardiac pacemaker or if you take an Anticoagulant to thin your blood. If you do not let us know your test may be cancelled when you arrive.
Do NOT stop taking any regular medications for this investigation, express instructions will be given if/when this is required.
Please telephone us immediately on 01305 255255.
What should I do before I come?
- Make sure your hands and arms are clean and dry. Do not use any kind of hand cream, lotion or moisturiser for at least 48 hours beforehand
- Keep your hands warm using gloves and warm clothes as necessary
- Wear something with loose sleeves you can easily push up above your elbows
- Do not stop taking any medication prescribed by your doctor unless you have specifically been told to do so.
What happens at the appointment?
A highly specialist clinical physiologist performs the test. Sometimes a consultant neurophysiologist may also see you. Your hand temperature is checked and you may be warmed in the waiting area or the clinic room if necessary. You are asked to sit or lie down on a couch while small electrodes are placed on your skin (usually the hand, wrist or arm). Then, small electrical pulses are used to test different nerves; it feels like a sharp tingling or tapping sensation and may make your hand or arm muscles twitch.
Will it hurt?
The electrical nerve tests or nerve conduction studies feel like little electrical shocks. Most people will find these a bit uncomfortable but will be able to tolerate it okay. Many people who have used a TENS machine say the feeling is very similar. The needle tests are also a bit uncomfortable but usually quite tolerable as the needles used are very thin like acupuncture needles. If there is anything that you feel is too uncomfortable let the clinician doing the test know. Tests will be done in a different way or even stopped if you find them too uncomfortable. The clinician performing the tests will try to always minimise your discomfort but needs to do enough to try to come to a diagnosis.
Do I need to undress?
You may be asked to remove items of clothing, especially if your sleeves are tight. You may be asked to remove wrist watches, bracelets and rings.
Can I drive?
This test does not affect your ability to drive.
When will I get my results?
Results are sent to the doctor who referred you for the test. This usually takes two to three weeks.
Contact us
Please phone the department on 01305 255255 if you have any further questions.
About this leaflet
Author: Allison Tate, Claire Bracey
Written: July 2022
Approved: July 2022
Review date: 2025
Edition: v1
If you have feedback regarding the accuracy of the information contained in this leaflet, or if you would like a list of references used to develop this leaflet, please email patientinformation.leaflets@dchft.nhs.uk
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