Nerve Conduction Test

At The Bonati Institute, we sometimes use nerve conduction tests to measure how quickly and how well your body sends nerve signals. They measure the electrical activity in the peripheral nervous system and help locate nerve damage. We often use nerve conduction tests in conjunction with electromyography (EMG), which helps us find the source of nerve pain.

We also use nerve conduction tests and EMG to diagnose problems. These tools help us detect neuropathic pain and determine whether your spinal nerves are being pinched or compressed, such as with spinal stenosis or foramenial narrowing. Sometimes, patients require surgery to correct these issues, while at other times, non-invasive treatments are effective.

Reasons to Have a Nerve Conduction Test

If left untreated, conditions like stenosis and degenerative disc disease can weaken muscles or damage nerves. They can alter your posture and put additional strain on your spine, causing further problems. Nerve compression not only causes damage to the nerves, but it can also cause more pain, numbness, or tingling in the areas served by the nerves.

If you have any of these symptoms, your doctor will probably want to do a nerve conduction test and EMG on the affected areas. He or she will most likely order a scan, such as a CT or MRI, and possibly some x-rays if there is bone involved. Once you have a diagnosis, you can decide whether pursuing surgery at The Bonati Institute is something you would like to do. Please feel free to contact us with questions or to get a list of our references.