What technique is commonly used to measure nerve conduction velocity?

Nerve conduction velocity (NCV) is primarily measured using nerve conduction studies (NCS), which involve stimulating a peripheral nerve and recording the time it takes for the electrical impulse to travel along the nerve to specific points. During this study, electrodes are placed at strategically chosen locations, and the latency of the response is measured. By calculating the distance between the stimulation and recording sites, the velocity of nerve conduction can be derived. This technique is highly effective for diagnosing various neuropathies and other conditions affecting nerve function.

In contrast, electromyography (EMG), while useful for assessing muscle response to nerve stimulation, focuses more on muscle activity rather than measuring the speed at which nerve signals traverse through the nerve fibers. Cerebral angiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are imaging techniques that do not assess nerve conduction or speed directly, making them unsuitable for measuring nerve conduction velocity. Thus, the clarity and specificity of NCS make it the gold standard for this purpose.