If you are having a nerve conduction study, or EMG and NCS tests, there are a few things you should keep in mind when preparing for the test. Your skin needs to be clean for the test, so it’s a good idea to take a shower or bathe on the day of the test. When you are all clean, do not apply any cream, lotion, or oil. Don’t wear any excessive jewelry to the test and wear loose-fitting clothing. There is no need to fast, you can go about your day as usual.

When you come for the test, bring a list of your medications. Let the doctor know if you are taking any blood thinning medications, or if you have a bleeding disorder on the day of the test. If you are taking Coumadin (Warfarin), it’s likely that your INR levels will need to be under a certain value to go ahead with a nerve conduction study test. If you have any questions about this, or anything else, please call the office before your appointment for clarification. Also, on the day of the test, let the doctor know if you have a pacemaker, TENS unit, or any other bodily electrical device. The staff will also ask you to turn off your cell phone, as this can interfere with testing.

The nerve conduction study test and EMG test are used together.

These tests check the function of nerves and muscles and can determine how healthy the peripheral nervous system is. If you are suffering from radiculopathy, pain, cramping, tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness that doesn’t go away, these tests might help doctors get to the root cause. These tests are helpful in diagnosing neuromuscular disease, nerve problems in the spine or elsewhere in the body, pinched nerves, or Guillain-Barre syndrome. Most of the time, your doctor will suggest these tests. However, if you feel that you could benefit, bring it up at your next visit to start the conversation.