NCS are tests of the speed of conduction of impulses through a nerve.  A doctor performs the tests, sometimes with a technician.

 

The nerve is stimulated, with electrodes placed on the skin. One electrode stimulates the nerve with a very mild electrical impulse and the other electrodes record the resulting electrical activity.

 

The impulse will feel like a small electric shock. Depending on how strong the stimulus is you will feel it to varying degrees and it may be uncomfortable for you. You should feel no pain once the test is finished.

This test is used to diagnose nerve damage or destruction.  Information from the test can tell the doctor what part of the nerve is damaged and give an idea as to the disease causing the damage. There are no risks from this test.

 

The test will need to be interpreted afterwards, so the results will not be available at the time of the test but will be sent to the referring doctor.