NCV Both Upper Limbs tests are conducted at Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy, which is an NABL & NABH-accredited diagnostic centre with a range of Advanced Diagnostic & Neurological Testing Services. An arm specialty test called Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) test, a nerve test to check the speed of nerve transmission in the nerves of the arms. Helpful in determining numbness, tingling, weakness, pain, and suspected peripheral nerve (nerve compression and damage) disorders. Determines the imaging of normal and abnormal nerve conduction speeds, the amplitude of the response, and the transmission of the nerve signal to support clinically indicated diagnosis and treatment planning.

About NCV Both Upper Limbs

NCV Both Upper Limbs is a test performed to check the function of the peripheral nerves that supply the right and left upper limbs and hands. A test of the speed of conduction of an electrical impulse along predetermined nerves. Both sensory & motor nerves can be evaluated in both upper limbs depending on the clinical need. It is commonly recommended when patients have definite nerve compression (peripheral neuropathy) and weakness, numbness, and tingling symptoms in the same limb(s) as the compression neuropathy. Both arms are tested to measure the nerve's response in one arm compared with the other, so any abnormalities may be investigated further, which can help them make a diagnosis.

What is NCV Both Upper Limbs?

It measures the speed and characteristics of electrical signals travelling along selected peripheral nerves. At the time of the examination, Surface electrodes are placed on the skin over selected nerves and muscles. Brief electrical stimuli are delivered to assess nerve conduction. The stimulus of an electric current is conducted through a nerve for a short period of time in a fixed manner, and the reaction is observed. These measurements can be used to assess nerve conduction velocity, amplitude of response, and nerve conduction abnormalities. When additional testing to understand muscle and nerve function may be necessary, NCV testing is often used in conjunction with Electromyography. Different nerves will be examined depending on the symptoms and the clinician's examination.

Common Reasons for NCV in Both Upper Limbs

• Numbness and Tingling: Determination of chronic pins and needles in the arm, hand, and/or fingers.
• Evaluation of an entrapment (compression) of the median nerve at the wrist, suspected.
• Hand Weakness: Evaluation of weakness or decreased function which may be related to an abnormality of peripheral nerves.
• Suspected Ulnar Nerve Entrapment: An assessment to determine if the nerve that supplies the little finger (ulnar nerve) has become entrapped at the elbow or wrist.
• Neuropathy upper limb nerve (peripheral) function assessment – suspected.
• Neck Related Nerve Symptoms: Evaluation of symptoms in the arm/hands when there is a suspected peripheral nerve involvement; may require further evaluation to assess the nerve roots.
• Uncoordinated Movement or Shooting Pain: Assessment of symptoms which could relate to peripheral nerve dysfunction.
• Reduced Sensation: Little or no change of sensation; or sensation is different in hand/fingers.
• Nerve Injury: Assessment of any nerve that has sustained trauma, surgery, or nerve trauma due to other factors.
• Bilateral: Seeing how the nerves in both arms/hands or in both legs/feet respond.

Conditions Evaluated

Ulnar Neuropathy

The test may reveal abnormalities with ulnar nerve conduction (signal), such as a compression of the ulnar nerve around the elbow or wrist. This could lead to a sense of tingling in the ring finger and decreased sensation in the little finger.

Peripheral Neuropathy

The reason for the NCV tests is to provide information on how the peripheral nerves are functioning and to determine whether they are abnormal in certain neuropathies. Further investigations and tests may be needed to find out the cause of the condition.

Nerve Compression and Entrapment

The examination may help identify areas where nerve conduction is slowed or otherwise abnormal, supporting assessment of selected compression or entrapment neuropathies.

Traumatic Nerve Injuries

NCV can help assess the function of selected nerves after injury. The findings depend on the type, severity, and timing of the injury; additional testing may be required, but depends on the nature and the time of the lesion.

Sensory Nerve Abnormalities

This test assesses the function of selected sensory nerves and may help investigate numbness, tingling, or altered sensation in the hands and arms.

Bilateral Nerve Conduction Differences

Testing both upper limbs allows the clinician to compare right and left-sided nerve responses. Differences must be interpreted in the context of clinical findings. Variations can help the specialist discern if there is any unusual nerve conduction that may be involved with the patient's symptoms.

Why Choose Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy?

Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy is an NABL & NABH Accredited Diagnostic Centre which offers diagnostic services in the fields of Radiology, Nuclear Medicine, Pathology, and, as available, Neurological testing. We want to think about using appropriate testing techniques, how we make the patient or family member feel, how correct the test is, and how the results are reported. It is performed at the time of the NCV examination and is interpreted in relation to the examination's symptoms and medical history.

Conclusion

The selected peripheral nerves examined are tested for function. It helps to assess numbness, tingling, and weak sensations, suspected nerve compression, or other problems with nerve conduction. In Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy, the test is prescribed by the attending physician for the purpose of assessing the neurological status and planning therapy.