Nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG), are used to test the nerves in the arms and legs, various muscles throughout the body as well as the connection between the nerves and the muscles. The procedure can last for a wide range of time frames, depending on the complexity of the case. Most take approximately 1 hour to complete. NCS/EMG is performed in the Clinical Neurophysiology department, located in D-wing on the main floor, East of the old main entrance.

How to prepare

1. Come with comfortable, loose clothing. You may need to roll your sleeves up past your elbow and/or your pant legs up past your knee.
   
   
2. Come with your skin clean and no lotions or other products on your skin.
   
   
3. Eat, sleep and take medications as usual, unless instructed otherwise by a physician.
   
   
4. Please bring a list of current medications. If a history form was mailed to you, bring the completed form to your appointment.
   
   
5. Please report to admitting 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. Late arrivals may necessitate rebooking for another date. If you are going to be late or need to reschedule due to traffic, road conditions, etc. Please call 306-655-1384 to advise of your situation or rebook if necessary. 

Procedure

The procedure can last for a wide range of time frames, depending on the complexity of the case. Most take approximately 1 hour to complete.

The technologist will begin with the nerve conduction studies. During these the technologist will apply small electrical impulse down various nerves. Then the time the impulse takes to reach the muscle is recorded, as well as the strength of the transmitted signal and the speed at which the nerves are conducting impulses.

The impulses will start off low and the technologist will gradually increase them until the best response is reached. Which nerves are tested depends on the symptoms the patient is experiencing; however several nerves will be tested for each patient.

After the nerve conduction studies are complete there will be a consultation with a neurologist. They will complete an examination of the patient, as well as discuss the ongoing symptoms. They will then decide if any further nerve conduction studies are required, or if electromyography (EMG) is needed. During EMG a small needle is inserted into the muscle to determine if the muscle is functioning normally.