How do they test for nerve damage?

How do they test for nerve damage?

A nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test — also called a nerve conduction study (NCS) — measures how fast an electrical impulse moves through your nerve. NCV can identify nerve damage. During the test, your nerve is stimulated, usually with electrode patches attached to your skin.

When do you need a EMG after a nerve injury?

Comprehensive EMG studies in the fourth week after injury are helpful in diagnosing nerve injury, in localizing the site of injury, and in estimating the extent of injury. (In medicolegal situations, the first EMG study should be done within the first five days.)

How do doctors know if you have nerve damage?

CT or MRI scans can look for herniated disks, pinched (compressed) nerves, tumors or other abnormalities affecting the blood vessels and bones. Nerve function tests. Electromyography (EMG) records electrical activity in your muscles to detect nerve damage.

Can MRI scan detect nerve damage?

An MRI may be able help identify structural lesions that may be pressing against the nerve so the problem can be corrected before permanent nerve damage occurs. Nerve damage can usually be diagnosed based on a neurological examination and can be correlated by MRI scan findings.

What kind of doctor specializes in nerves?

Neurologists are specialists who treat diseases of the brain and spinal cord, peripheral nerves and muscles. Neurological conditions include epilepsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson’s disease. Dr.

How painful is EMG test?

Is an EMG test painful? EMG testing may result in some discomfort, but it is usually well tolerated without any need for pain medication.

Can you fix nerve damage?

Sometimes a section of a nerve is cut completely or damaged beyond repair. Your surgeon can remove the damaged section and reconnect healthy nerve ends (nerve repair) or implant a piece of nerve from another part of your body (nerve graft). These procedures can help your nerves to regrow.

How long before nerve damage is permanent?

As a specialist in peripheral nerve surgery, Dr. Seruya wants his patients to know that after a period of 12-18 months nerve damage can become permanent.