Understanding nerve conduction studies, what they show, and when they may be recommended
Have you got tingling in your fingers? A bit of hand numbness? Are you getting up in the night with discomfort? These are all telltale signs of carpal tunnel syndrome.
But! How do you confirm the diagnosis: and when is a nerve conduction test needed?
For many patients, diagnosis starts with symptoms and a clinical assessment. In some cases, additional testing is helpful. One of the most common tests used is a nerve conduction study (NCS) - find out below what it is, when you need it and what it tells you.
What Is a Nerve Conduction Test?
A nerve conduction test measures how well electrical signals travel through a nerve.
In carpal tunnel syndrome, the median nerve becomes compressed as it passes through the wrist. This can slow down nerve signals; a nerve conduction study can help detect that.
During the test:
- Small sensors are placed on the skin
- Gentle electrical impulses are delivered to the nerve
- The speed and strength of the nerve response are measured
Supported by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke1, nerve conduction studies can help identify nerve compression and assess how severe it may be.
What Does a Nerve Conduction Test Actually Look Like?
If you’re unsure what happens during a nerve conduction test, it can help to see one being performed.
Luckily, YouTube exists. We’ve picked out a short demonstration that shows what to expect during testing for carpal tunnel syndrome, including how electrodes are placed and how nerve responses are measured.
➡️ Watch the demonstration by Dr Carrie Ford2
Do You Always Need a Nerve Conduction Test for Carpal Tunnel?
Not always. On our website blog, we cover the varied methods of diagnosis for CTS - see: What Are the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (and When Should You Seek Help)?
Moreover, in many cases, carpal tunnel can be strongly suspected based on symptoms and clinical examination alone as highlighted by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons3.
When Might You Need a Nerve Conduction Test?
That depends on a few things. A nerve conduction study is often recommended when:
- The diagnosis is unclear
- Symptoms are severe or worsening
- Surgery is being considered
- Symptoms haven’t improved with treatment
Testing can help confirm the diagnosis and assess severity.
Is a Nerve Conduction Test Painful?
Most people describe it as uncomfortable rather than painful. Typically, the electrical impulses can feel a little “unusual”, but they are brief and generally well tolerated.
Can You Have Carpal Tunnel if Your Nerve Conduction Test Is “Normal”?
Put simply: Yes.
In early or mild cases, symptoms are present but the nerve compression may not yet show clearly on testing.
That’s why a nerve conduction test is only one part of diagnosis. Symptoms such as tingling, numbness, night pain, or weakness can still suggest carpal tunnel…even if the test looks normal.
At Orthopaedic Innovation, we look at the full picture during a clinical assessment; your symptoms, examination findings, and test results are analysed rather than relying on one test alone.
What Happens After a Nerve Conduction Test?
If carpal tunnel is confirmed, the quicker you treat it the better.
Depending on the severity and function levels, options include:
- Wrist splinting
- Activity modification
- Corticosteroid injection
- Surgery, in selected cases
When Should You Seek Advice?
Better safe than sorry right? If you have persistent hand numbness, tingling, weakness, or night symptoms, it’s worth getting assessed early.
At Orthopaedic Innovation, our hand and wrist specialist Mr Abhinav Gulihar provides expert assessment and personalised treatment plans to help determine whether a nerve conduction test is needed: and what to do next!
Book an appointment for time with our specialist and get a clear diagnosis.
When Should You Seek Advice?
Better safe than sorry right? If you have persistent hand numbness, tingling, weakness, or night symptoms, it’s worth getting assessed early.
At Orthopaedic Innovation, our hand and wrist specialist Mr Abhinav Gulihar provides expert assessment and personalised treatment plans to help determine whether a nerve conduction test is needed: and what to do next!
Book an appointment for time with our specialist and get a clear diagnosis.
1https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/carpal-tunnel-syndrome
2https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VphcyHaw7QA&utm
3https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/carpal-tunnel-syndrome/
