Nerve conduction study

A nerve conduction study measures the speed and strength of electrical signals traveling through peripheral nerves, usually by stimulating a nerve and recording its response.

Nerve conduction velocity: The speed at which an electrical impulse travels along a nerve. It is calculated from the distance between stimulation sites and the difference in response times.
Carpal tunnel syndrome: A condition in which the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the wrist. Testing can show slowed median nerve conduction across the wrist.
Peripheral nervous system: The nerves and ganglia outside the brain and spinal cord. Nerve conduction studies examine this system rather than the central nervous system.
Magnetic resonance neurography: An MRI technique that produces images of peripheral nerves and surrounding tissues. It depicts nerve structure, whereas conduction studies measure electrical function.
Compound muscle action potential: The summed electrical response of muscle fibers activated through a motor nerve. Its amplitude and timing are recorded when a motor nerve is stimulated.
Peripheral neuropathy: Damage or dysfunction affecting nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Studies help characterize which nerves are affected and whether damage is widespread.
Motor neuron: A nerve cell that carries signals from the central nervous system to muscles. Motor studies trace signals from a motor nerve to the muscle response.
Somatosensory evoked potential: A test that records nervous-system responses to stimulation of sensory pathways. It assesses signal transmission toward the central nervous system, beyond the peripheral segments usually tested.
Sensory nerve action potential: The recorded electrical response produced by sensory nerve fibers after stimulation. Its amplitude and latency provide measurements of sensory nerve function.
Radiculopathy: A disorder caused by compression or irritation of a spinal nerve root. Routine nerve conduction results may remain normal because the lesion lies proximal to the dorsal root ganglion.

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