Nerve conduction test - what can I expect?

[Myoldcat]

Hi All! I always like to be prepared, so I wonder if anyone has had a nerve conduction test and can tell me what to expect? The neurologist I saw in November referred me for suspected carpal tunnel syndrome, which I understand is rather more common with B12 deficiency. Thanks.

[PAapr22]

Hi Myoldcat- I had the nerve conduction test done last year - probes into the muscles across the body with mini electric shocks to test the response rates of your nerves. Strange feeling but the diagnostic shows where damage is. For me in right foot and left hand. This then helped my case for B12 AGPA. Best.

[Myoldcat in reply to PAapr22]

Brilliant, thanks x

[Sleepybunny]

Hi,

I've never had one although almost certainly should have had one.

NHS link that mentions nerve conduction test

nhs.uk/conditions/periphera...

A skin biopsy may be used as part of diagnosis process for some types of neuropathy.

NICE (National Institute of Health and Care Excellence) have published guidance for treatment and diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Search for "NICE CKS Carpal Tunnel Syndrome" to find guidance.

Your ICB (Integrated Care Board) in England (Health Board in Wales/Scotland) may have its own guidance. Maybe try to find it online.

I found some interesting articles when I searched online for " b12 deficiency carpal tunnel syndrome".

I'm not medically trained.

[Myoldcat]

Thanks for that, will search.

[Pa234aw]

Hi. I had a conductivity test about a year ago. It’s nothing to worry about in terms of the procedure itself. They put sensors on various points on your arms and legs and there is a bit of a tingling sensation. I don’t recall any significant discomfort. The person doing the test said that everything was fine and that was later confirmed when I saw the neurologist again. Despite me suffering from some numbness and pins and needles in feet and hands at the time. No further action was taken.

[Myoldcat in reply to Pa234aw]

Thanks for the explanation Pa234aw.

[Sailinglady]

I've had it done twice. They attach sticky pads on your fingers hands, wrists, toes, ankles and feet and attach them to an electrical pulse (a bit like a TENS machine). Then they measure how quickly that pulse returns to the machine. It can be mildly uncomfortable, but not painful. I had increased tingling for a few days afterwards, but that settled on its own.

It's certainly not something to worry about having done.

[Myoldcat in reply to Sailinglady]

Thanks for describing the procedure Sailinglady very helpful.

[Dicato]

Hi nothing to worry about, the procedure is a bit like a tens machine only stronger currant, after 5 years of tooing and froing to many specialists I have been diagnosed with CIDP

[Myoldcat in reply to Dicato]

Thanks Dicato, and goodness, I can only imagine the persistence you needed to eventually get that diagnosis. So many overlapping symptoms. May I ask whether your B12 level was low, and whether you supplement?

[Dicato]

My GP said it was within the correct range but only after taking B12 supplements.

[Myoldcat in reply to Dicato]

Wishing you successful treatment and management of your condition x

[GoneWithTheWind1972]

The nerve conduction test is testing the large nerve fibres and how well they send signals.

My nerve conduction test concluded that my large nerves function well but, when I queried why I was experiencing burning pain and pins and needles in my hands and feet I was told that this is a small fibre neuropathy for which a nerve conduction test won’t pick up.

A skin biopsy is the only way to confirm small fibre neuropathy for which my GP told me is considered a necessary test anymore.

[Sunvalley12 in reply to GoneWithTheWind1972]

Thx @gonewiththewind1972! This was my experience and results as well. When they zapped, it was little uncomfortable but I just closed my eyes and I was fine. If mine was actually from SFN (small fiber neuropathy) it was suggested no real need to biopsy and test, just manage symptoms. After a few short months of B12 injections my neuropathy is mostly gone (still gut issues). That tells me I didn’t have SFN. Was glad to initially rule out LFN (large).

Myoldcat all these posts have helped me. Prayers to you on your journey too.

[Myoldcat in reply to Sunvalley12]

Thanks Sunvalley12. Seems like a lot of peripheral neuropathy can be B12 related. I don't really feel I have that, but pretty sure I do have carpal tunnel syndrome so let's see what they find!

[GoneWithTheWind1972 in reply to Myoldcat]

Prior to my small fibre neuropathy diagnosis when all my symptoms were causing me much grief, I was told that I have carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands. I had the carpal tunnel release surgery in my left hand first as not recommended to have both hands done at the same time.

Fast forward a year after my nerve conduction test (and CT surgery) I was told that I have small fibre neuropathy. I believe now that the carpal tunnel surgery was not necessary as I still get the numbness and pins and needles in both my hands to this day but, not as severe.

I firmly believe my body only required more B12 (ie daily SC injections) as this is the only thing that made a difference.

The doctors got this one wrong and misdiagnosed me with fibromyalgia and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Who would’ve known that this simple vitamin B12 deficiency cause me so many problems.

[Myoldcat in reply to GoneWithTheWind1972]

Interesting! As well as tingling I have a lot of pain and weakness in both hands, and muscle wasting in one hand/arm, and it's worsened in the past year even with eod injections. I don't want surgery unless it's necessary (I work with my hands!) but I'm struggling. Hey ho, another B12 problem...

[Myoldcat in reply to GoneWithTheWind1972]

Well it will be very interesting to see what shows up.

[Myoldcat in reply to Myoldcat]

UPDATE- all went well, the nerve conduction test was only a little uncomfortable and showed no peripheral neuropathy. At the end, the lovely Russian neurophysiology doctor asked about my neck and when I told him how painful it was he offered a further test using fine needles in the arm muscles, which has highlighted some nerve damage ( I knew something was up, I have muscle wasting and pain in my arm and hand) This may be due to arthritis which I know I have in my neck, but I also have a background worry about spinal cord changes... although this has happened 9 months in to eod injections. So now it's a wait for his report and whatever comes next. Thank all for your information before the event!)

[JesusMercy60 in reply to Myoldcat]

My prayers for you Myoldcat that your spine nerves will be good.

[Myoldcat in reply to JesusMercy60]

Thank you for your prayers, I hope so too x

[GoneWithTheWind1972]

Apologies….is NOT considered a necessary test anymore.

[Myoldcat]

Thanks everyone for your - as always - helpful comments and advice.

[WiscGuy]

I had a nerve conduction test as part of my diagnostics, in 2021. I don't recall much about it, other than it was reported that I had deficits consistent with B12 deficiency. Those might have been the exact words.

[Myoldcat]

Quite useful words though! Thank you.