Keep in mind that only a very low- voltage electrical current is used, and each electrical pulse is very quick (less than a split- second). With nerve conduction studies (NCV), you will be able to feel the electrical pulses. If your pain gets worse or you have swelling, tenderness, or pus at any of the needle sites, call your doctor. After the test, you may be sore and have a tingling feeling in your muscles for up to 2 days.

The results from EMG and nerve conduction studies are used along with your medical history, symptoms, physical and neurological exams, and the results of other tests to help your doctor find out what the problem is or see how a disease is changing.Ī: During an EMG test, you may feel a quick, sharp pain when the needle electrode is put into a muscle. Nerve conduction velocities generally get slower as a person gets older. Slower speeds may be caused by injury to a nerve or group of nerves. NCV: In nerve conduction studies, the speed of nerve impulses is slower than what is normal for that nerve. Abnormal wave lines when a muscle contracts may mean a muscle or nerve problem, such as a herniated disc, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or inflammation. Nerve conduction velocities generally get slower as a person gets older.ĮMG: Electrical activity in a muscle at rest shows that there may be a problem with the nerve supply to the muscle. Different nerves have different normal conduction velocities. Sensory nerves allow the brain to feel pain, touch, temperature, and vibration. NCV: The nerve conduction studies show that the nerves send electrical impulses to the muscles or along the sensory nerves at normal speeds, or conduction velocities. There is a smooth, wavy line on the recording with each muscle contraction.

Your primary care doctor, or the doctor who ordered the EMG, will discuss the full report with you at a follow- up appointment.ĮMG: The EMG recording shows no electrical activity when the muscle is at rest. Your doctor may be able to tell you about some of the results of your nerve studies right after the tests.

Pain after nerve conduction test