One advantage of an NCV test is that it is considered an objective measurement of the health of a nerve, compared to subjective reports of pain or poor functioning. A nerve conduction velocity between 50 and 60 meters per second is generally considered in the normal range.
However, any result has to be examined along with other information. Your doctor will compare the results of your test against a standard, or norm, of conduction velocities. There is no single standard. Results are affected by your age, what part of the body is tested, possibly your gender, or even where you live.
A velocity outside of the norm suggests the nerve is damaged or diseased. However, it doesn’t indicate exactly what caused the damage. A large number of conditions can affect a nerve, such as:
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- traumatic median nerve damage
- acute inflammatory polyneuropathy
- chronic inflammatory polyneuropathy
- diabetic neuropathy
- drug-induced median nerve palsy
- Guillain-Barré syndrome
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease
- herniated disk disease
- sciatic nerve problems
- pinched nerves
- peripheral nerve injury
- damage from cancer drugs
Your diagnosis will depend on other information in your medical history and your physical symptoms.
There is no single path to recovery from a damaged or diseased nerve. Treatment varies according to your specific condition and which nerve is affected.