Published with the inputs from Dr Mohan Leslie Noone, Senior Consultant, Neurologist, Baby Memorial Hospitals - Kozhikode
Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) and Electromyography (EMG) are specialized diagnostic tests that help evaluate the health of nerves and muscles. These tests are often performed together to detect nerve damage, muscle disorders, or conditions affecting the communication between nerves and muscles.
NCS measures how quickly and effectively electrical signals travel through a nerve. Small electrical impulses are applied to the skin, and the response of the nerve is recorded. This helps detect nerve damage or compression.
EMG evaluates the electrical activity of muscles. A very thin needle electrode is inserted into the muscle to measure how it responds at rest and during movement. It helps identify muscle disorders or nerve-muscle communication problems.
They are used to diagnose conditions such as:
Both procedures are generally safe and cause only temporary discomfort.
The duration depends on the number of nerves and muscles being tested, usually 30–90 minutes.
Both are very safe. EMG may cause mild temporary muscle soreness or bruising at the needle site, but serious complications are extremely rare.
If you are experiencing numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, or nerve-related symptoms, the Neurology & Neurodiagnostics Department at Baby Memorial Hospital (BMH) offers advanced Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) and Electromyography (EMG) for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
👉 Book an Appointment Online or visit BMH to consult our neurology specialists.