With this testing, we can determine the amount of damage present, as well as determine the degenerative changes present which may be predictive of impending neuropathy even before symptoms begin. NCSs show how the body’s electrical signals are traveling to a nerve. Some of the tests that the EMG doctor may use are nerve conduction studies (NCSs) and/or needle EMG. In short, ENFD testing measures the amount of C-fibers and A-delta fibers via a 3mm punch biopsy of the skin. You are being sent to the EMG lab because you have numbness, tingling, pain, weakness, and/or muscle cramping. If the pathological process moves to the larger nerves, the neuropathy becomes mixed. 1, 2 NCSs evaluate the function of a particular nerve. Its then checked for changes that could be a sign of certain types of peripheral neuropathy. Those patients that exhibit this form of neuropathy, without involvement of larger and more proximal nerves, are said to have small fiber peripheral neuropathy. Nerve conduction studies (NCSs) are very useful in diagnosing and following up different disorders of the peripheral nerves and muscles. This is a minor surgical procedure where a small sample of a peripheral nerve is removed from near your ankle so it can be examined under a microscope. Nerve conduction studies along with needle electromyography measure nerve and muscle function, and may be indicated when there is pain in the limbs.

This is why our diabetic patients so often present with peripheral neuropathy in a “stocking-like” distribution, i.e. This diagnostic modality takes advantage of the fact that most forms of peripheral neuropathy progress in a distal to proximal fashion, beginning with the body’s smallest and most distal (foot) nerve twigs (C fibers and A delta fibers), and then progressing proximally. Epidermal Nerve Fiber Density Epidermal Nerve Fiber Density (ENFD) is a technology used by neurologists for over 15 years.

Nerve conduction study painful