I'm booked to have a nerve conduction study done at the hospital in several weeks. I wondered if other people have had this kind of test. I'm anxious about it as a friend of mine had the same test several years ago and said it was agony. She's ex-military and not someone to be phased by pain. It was so painful to her that she screamed and insisted the test be stopped immediately.

I'm well aware that everyone has different responses to various medical procedures and maybe for whatever reason it was particularly painful for her. In addition to my concern about that I'm worried it might trigger a big kick back later. I have very severe neuropathy and my body does not follow the normal patterns for many people experiencing this type of pain. The medical people spend a lot of time puzzling over what's happening for me and the way something pretty minor can result in debilitating pain.

Any feedback would be appreciated. Thank you.

Don't stress, it's certainly not my idea of a fun time but it's certainly not painful. You get "zapped" which feels quite uncomfortable, but it's soon over and none the worse for wear. Even the needle studies aren't that bad. I too have unusual, undefined & undiagnosed neuropathy and have NC studies every few months. I've certainly never felt like screaming! When you get home have some paracetamol or pain med of choice if you feel you need to.

Good luck!

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It hurt me. I could deal with it though. The pain was probably worse for me because the neuropathy is in my skin and muscles all over my body.
I had to have two because one showed nerve impingement. Anyway, between the EMG, the spinal tap, the 2.5 hour MRI, and the lip biopsy, I'd do the EMG every time instead.

I've had 2 and they were definitely not comfortable but also not unbearable. I was very nervous so I talked to my neuro and he wrote a one dose prescription for valium the second time and I barely remember the procedure (I am def. a light weight when it comes to medicating though lol) - so if you are very nervous that could be an option

I had 3 done early on and it's really nothing, especially compared to what I have to live with on a daily basis. Just some discomfort from the poking and zapping that basically disappeared as soon as the test was done. Good luck!

I had 3 of them, the last one was really long and excessive. I actually find needle part to be less annoying, it hurts if they get too close to the nerve but other than that not really.
Zapping is a bit annoying, but seriously there are many kind of worst pain you can experience. If you even knocked yourself hard with your elbow on some hard surface that's way worst kind of pain.

I've had 4 of them, what I've learned is it is a very subjective test, in regard to the person administering the test itself.

The 3rd & 4th were done by the same Dr's so they were able to compare my results to my previous results. This showed what changed from the previous time.

Its not my favorite thing, but if it helps to prove something and help then you got to do what you got to do.

Good Luck

I've had two series on my legs, and two on my arms.

They are not agony for me.

The sensations are mostly surprising in nature. Not something that you ordinarily experience. Closest perhaps to a light electrical shock from lamp or other small appliance.

I think we are used to fearing those shocks, as we should. But this conduction study is carefully calibrated and cannot damage you. But a light current is sent through each major nerve, from one end to the other, to see if the nerve is working. If the nerve is damaged the conduction is either very slow or non existent.

In addition a thin needle is used to test the responsiveness of your muscles. That is usually done after the nerve conduction part of the test.

you will lie on your stomach, and that makes you feel rather vulnerable.

I have been through so many tests i my lifetime, and so many 'procedures' often bizarre and done without an anesthetic and since I cannot tolerate the codeine based drugs (opioids) I am sent home from surgery with Tylenol.

Relax, think of sunshine and seagulls......there is nothing to fear.

Hugs, ElaineD

My right thigh is 80% Numb, what would a nerve conduction test prove. Why is it needed. I've just learned to live with this pretty dead nerve issue. Been using some acupuncture needles in the numb areas but don't know if it will do any help to restore nerves.

And unfortunately I didn't have this group to ask. I was pretty tense when I got there but the technician was kind and told me exactly what to expect. In a few spots it was a bit uncomfortable and it others it was nothing. I think it sounds much worse when you read about it then it actually is.