Nerve Conduction Test: Is it worth it?

[beanqueen]

hi educated crowd...

i have another question for y'all... ;-)

i've been having alot of trouble with my arms...from the neck/shoulder, manifesting in pain and tingling in the elbow and wrist. My doctor has ordered a nerve conduction test. i've done a bit of research on the web, and it's a bit controversial. (fyi: i think i have 'thoracic outlet syndrome' which basically means i need to improve my posture...)

what's your take on the nct? have you ever had it done? some people say it aggravates and makes their nerve problems worse!! and it may not really be conclusive! (what's that about?!! ) anyhow, whatchya think?? yea or nay??

thank so much!
bq

 

[Miss Lee]

I would say the usefulness of this test depends, in large part, upon who administers it. If done properly by a doctor (preferrably a physiatrist) a great deal of valuable information can be obtained. Your doctor may want this test to help rule out other possible diagnoses. In this day and age of litigation, it has become necessary for doctors to cover all of the bases.

Michele

 

[Sandi S]

I've never had a nerve conduction test so I can't comment but have you tried physical therapy to see if you improve? I was interested in your first post asking about thoracic outlet syndrome because I had similar symptoms but a doctor, physical therapist or chiropractor never said that diagnosis. The good news was that physical therapy and the correct meds improved the symptoms tremendously. Hang in there!

Sandi

 

[Dutchie42]

I've had had it done a few years ago when I was having tingling sensations and a "dead" arm sensation which was related to my whiplash.

It's not painful, or uncomfortable in my case. They were just testing to see if any signals were coming through.

It didn't mean much to me, except that the specially trained person commented on my biceps ;-) My neurologist seemed very pleased though.

 

[khiway]

I worked for two neurologist for 5 years that did EMG/NCV (Electromyography & Nerve Conduction Velocity) Tests. EMG is tests the muscle electrical activity. With the NCV a small electrical shock goes through the nerve using an electrode and sends it to the recording device. They use a fine needle to do this and you might have a slight pain in the muscle for a few days. I think for you this test is well worth it. The doctor should be able to tell you something before you leave the office.

--Kimberly C


"Here's to your health, to every moment, every week and month that you wake up to the privilege of another breath - another chance to get it right!" Oprah

 

[beanqueen]

thanks everyone...

btw, kim.. is the nct done with a needle or electrodes? "if" i do have some nerve trouble/problems..will the test tend to hurt more? and could it aggravate any existing nerve problems by sending the electrical impulse through my veins??

sorry for all the questions, but doing searches on this, i've heard alot of people saying that they "regretted" taking the test, b/c they were 'worse off' after the test! eek!

i'm assuming the doctor will start from my neck and go down my back and arms? who knows...i just don't want to make things worse, ya know?

thanks a bunch!
bq