NCV

Medical abbreviation · Neurology

NCV
Stands forNerve conduction velocity
CategoriesMedical

NCV stands for Nerve conduction velocity, a neurology abbreviation.

Speed at which an electrical impulse travels along a peripheral nerve, measured in meters per second during nerve conduction studies. Normal motor velocities are roughly above 50 m/s in the arms and above 40 m/s in the legs in adults.

Example: Ulnar NCV across the elbow slowed to 38 m/s, localizing ulnar neuropathy to the cubital tunnel.

Usage notes

Marked slowing points to demyelinating conditions, such as CIDP or Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1, whereas axonal neuropathies reduce amplitude more than speed. NCV is often used loosely to name the whole nerve conduction test. Velocity falls with age and cold temperature.

More neurology abbreviations

  • MSA – Multiple system atrophy
  • MSLT – Multiple sleep latency test
  • MT – Mechanical thrombectomy
  • mTBI – Mild traumatic brain injury
  • NCS – Nerve conduction study
  • NCSE – Nonconvulsive status epilepticus
  • NF1 – Neurofibromatosis type 1
  • NIHSS – National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale
  • NMOSD – Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder
  • NPH – Normal pressure hydrocephalus
  • OCB – Oligoclonal bands
  • PCom – Posterior communicating artery

See all 131 neurology abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.