NCS Test in Ranchi — Advanced Neurophysiology
Precise electrophysiological assessment of your peripheral nerves with same-day reporting at Neurovision Clinic, Ranchi.
What is NCS — Nerve Conduction Study?
A Nerve Conduction Study (NCS), also called a Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) test, is a diagnostic procedure that measures how quickly and effectively electrical impulses travel along your peripheral nerves. During the test, small surface electrodes are placed on the skin overlying specific nerves, and a mild, brief electrical stimulus is delivered to activate the nerve. The resulting electrical response is recorded, and the speed (conduction velocity) and amplitude (signal strength) are calculated. These measurements help determine whether a nerve is functioning normally or has been damaged by compression, disease, or injury. NCS is often performed alongside electromyography (EMG) for a comprehensive neuromuscular assessment, though each test provides distinct and complementary information. At Neurovision Clinic in Ranchi, Dr. Yuvraj Lahre (DM Neurology, AIIMS, Gold Medalist) personally oversees all NCS studies using modern digital equipment that ensures high accuracy and patient comfort. The test typically takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on how many nerves are studied, and results are available the same day.
Why is NCS — Nerve Conduction Study Done?
- •To diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome by measuring median nerve conduction across the wrist, where slowing indicates compression.
- •To evaluate peripheral neuropathy — including diabetic neuropathy, alcoholic neuropathy, and chemotherapy-induced neuropathy — by detecting reduced conduction velocity and amplitude.
- •To assess ulnar neuropathy at the elbow or wrist in patients presenting with tingling or weakness in the ring and little fingers.
- •To investigate radiculopathies (pinched nerves in the neck or lower back) when clinical examination findings are equivocal and imaging alone is insufficient.
- •To differentiate between axonal and demyelinating nerve damage in conditions like Guillain-Barré syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP).
- •To monitor disease progression or treatment response in patients with known neuromuscular disorders, including Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and myasthenia gravis (in conjunction with repetitive nerve stimulation).
- •To confirm the neurological basis of symptoms such as numbness, tingling, burning pain, or unexplained muscle weakness in the limbs.
How NCS — Nerve Conduction Study is Performed
Patient Positioning and Electrode Placement
You will be seated or lying down comfortably. The technician cleans the skin over the target nerve and attaches small surface electrodes secured with adhesive. The recording electrode is placed over the muscle supplied by the nerve, and the stimulating electrode is positioned along the nerve's course.
Delivery of Electrical Stimulus
A brief, mild electrical pulse is delivered through the stimulating electrode. The sensation is often described as a quick tingling or tapping. The stimulus intensity is gradually increased to ensure every nerve fibre is activated for a maximal response, but discomfort is minimal and lasts only a fraction of a second.
Signal Recording and Measurement
The recording electrode captures the electrical response generated by the nerve and muscle. The machine calculates the latency (time delay), amplitude (signal height), and conduction velocity for each nerve segment tested. These values are compared against age- and height-matched normative data.
Multi-Nerve and Multi-Site Testing
Depending on the clinical question, multiple nerves may be tested — typically motor nerves (e.g., median, ulnar, peroneal, tibial) and sensory nerves (e.g., median, ulnar, sural, superficial peroneal). The contralateral limb may also be tested for comparison when asymmetry is suspected.
Report Generation and Doctor Consultation
The raw data is processed and compiled into a structured report. Dr. Yuvraj Lahre reviews all waveforms and values, provides a clinical interpretation, and discusses the findings with you, explaining what the results mean for your diagnosis and next steps in treatment.
How to Prepare
- •Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your arms and legs. Sleeves and trouser legs should be easy to roll up.
- •Avoid applying any lotions, creams, oils, or moisturisers to your skin on the day of the test, as they can interfere with electrode adhesion and signal quality.
- •Inform the clinic if you are taking blood thinners, have a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), as special precautions apply.
- •Tell your doctor about any bleeding disorders or skin infections at the test sites. The procedure may need to be deferred in such cases.
- •No fasting is required. You may eat and drink normally before the test. Continue your regular medications unless specifically advised otherwise by Dr. Lahre.
- •If you have significant pain or anxiety about the procedure, mention this during booking so appropriate reassurance and pacing can be arranged.
Related Conditions
NCS — Nerve Conduction Study helps diagnose and monitor these conditions. Explore our condition pages for more detailed information about each.