Nerve Conduction Studies?

Hi,
I am scheduled for a NCS test.  Not the one where they put the needle into the muscle.  Years ago I had a Visual Evoked Potential Test where I looked at a chequred television screen and was told that test was abnormal.  

As far as I know I am only having the NCS test done.  I wondered is this the same test that is called Somatosensory Evoked Potential?  

I know that these tests alone can not give a diagnosis and are used in conjunction with other tests etc. but what can they rule in or out?

My neuro still thinks TM but I thought these tests were not useful for TM or MS diagnosis?  I know the VEP test can support optic neuritis.

Hope someone can help.

Cheers,
Udkas.

[ashleyPT]

An NCS is used to evaluate the peripheral nervous system of a specific body area and it is not the same as the somatosensory evoked potential testing which evaluates the signal into the central nervous system - although it's a similar test.  In a NCS they look at the time the signal takes to get from the stimulated site to the muscle to look at motor function, another electrode to look at sensory function, and the to the spinal cord and back to check some reflex pathways.  In my experience, they will do this peripheral testing to rule out other things even though the doctors are thinking it is more of a central process.

Also, it's rare to have an NCS without a needle EMG - you might be in for a surprise.

[Udkas]

Hi,
thanks for pre warning me that I might be in for a surprise, on my info brochure it says about both and just states that you may have only one or both done but the lady that I spoke to seemed to think I would only have one done..

Years ago I had the SSEP test and the VEP done, so in this case I have never had this one done.  Let's hope it gives some answers.

I don't care what they do to me if they can provide me with a reason for my pain, numbness etc. they can biopsy, cut, slice tuck if they need to...lol

THanks for reply.

Udkas.

[rudyhorse]

As for me in limbo-land with you I am sure with you on the cut,slice tuck ect just find the reason!  I've had a few EMGs,  what helps me is to mentally go somewhere, like a beautiful pasture with horses, so you can relax.  Just a thought.  

You will have our thoughts with you.
Best wishes,
Tracy