Nerve conduction velocity

Nerve conduction velocity is the speed at which an electrochemical signal (action potential) is propagated along a nerve fiber[1][5]. It is determined mainly by **axon diameter** and **myelination**, with myelinated fibers conducting much faster[1][2][9]. NCV is measured by stimulating a nerve and recording the time taken for the signal to reach a second point, allowing calculation of the signal speed[1][3][4][5]. Reduced NCV is associated with a wide range of peripheral nerve disorders, including demyelination and nerve injury, and serves as a key biomarker in the diagnosis and management of neuromuscular diseases[1][3][5][7][9].

Other names

Nerve conductionNCVNerve conduction speedNerve conduction study (NCS; this refers to the test measuring it, not the property itself)