i had my second ncv test (first one was normal, second normal) for carpal tunnel

first one also had an emg, which came back normal.

i just realized i didnt have an emg the second time, but if my strength "appears normal" and the ncv was normal is it worth asking about

Was it the same doctor for both NCS tests?

My first test was JUST the NCS. Several years later, I had another one done with a different neuro doc and he said he never does an NCS without an EMG, too.

I do not know the "correct" answer but thought sharing my experience might help. Neither of these neuro's were my docs, just the ones perfoming the test. I was referred for the first test by my PCP. The second time I was referred by my pain management doc.

The neuro SURGEON I saw initially has retired. I have been turned over to pain mgt to deal with my condition.

thank you for sharing, i thought it was a bit odd

this was at emory

they also did not test around my neck with the ncv, is that standard?

it seems like if you experience latency at your hands its going all the way up to your neck anyways so it would show up in just testing wrist elbow area. or is that wrong? im literally picturing a little nerve signal going up to your neck and back, if it takes longer than x amount of time it's abnormal. im sure this is grossly wrong/oversimplified.

Hi. I also had 3 normal ncs /emg. tests (with severe pain, numbness n burning in all my fingers, hand n wrists.) My tos surgeon doesn't think my c.t. is related to my tos.
I did have a ultrasound with a physiatrist, which showed fluid with Median n. Swelling.
A ultasound can show scar tissue around the Median n. Which can be diagnostic.
If thats the case, there's a newer procedure to avoid surgery, its called Hydrodissection of the Median n. Usually a physiatrist or sports med. Dr. does this. U can goggle Hydrodissection n search for Dr. in your area.
Good Luck! Hope this helps ya!

Sorry forgot to answer ur?
I had 2different neurologists. One attempted to do the emg part after the ncs, I couldn't tolerate the pain on top of my forearm, so he stopped test. I think if the ncs is normal the emg part is not a big deal, unless they suspect u might have a muscle disease.
The 2nd neurologists just did ncs, no emg.

Docs seem to think we would not understand many things so they just don't "waste" their time telling us stuff. And maybe we would not understand but then we are left to guess when not given explanations. When I had my first NCS, the doc tested from my knees down to my ankles. Never tested above my knee. I did not understand since I had NO pain below my knee, just from my hip down to my knee. When I asked him about only testing where I had NO pain, and NOT testing where I DID have pain, he said the nerve runs all the way down your leg. OK, but if below my knee is OK, then shouldn't the "problem" area be tested? At least that is what I was thinking.
He offered no further comment or information. I left thinking he did not listen to me or he did not know what he was doing.

When I had my second NCS/EMG with another doc, I asked him why the previous doc did not test above my knee. I got a comprehendable explanation and felt much better about the process. When he did the EMG part of the test, he did stick the needles in the muscles in my upper legs.

I have learned to press for an answer until I get something from them that I can understand at least partially.

thanks!! that's good to know
so fluid around nerves is from scarring?

the ultrasound is fascinating, was it difficult to get? i have also read that ultrasound diagnosed subluxating ulnar nerves at the elbow in ehlers danlos syndrome patients (i have eds)

it seems like a good diagnostic procedure but i wonder how many drs specialize in it. i really need to find a doc whos out of the box on these things, they all seem to resort to the standard tests like this neuro did phalens test which i read is very unreliable.