Nerve Conduction Study Fundamentals - Two Day Course
Course Dates

June 18 - 19, 2010 (Ann Arbor, MI) 650.00 Register
October 1 - 2, 2010 (Ann Arbor, MI) 650.00 Register
February 7 - 8, 2011 (Las Vegas, NV) 695.00 Register

Lectures and extensive hands-on workshops form the basis for this comprehensive two day course designed for the beginner and experienced technologist seeking to improve their knowledge and skills and / or prepare for the national registry examination. Topics covered include: Overview of Nerve Conduction Studies, Instrumentation, Anatomy and Physiology of Nerve and Muscle, Testing Protocols, Hands-On Workshops, and Troubleshooting and Pitfalls

OVERVIEW of NERVE CONDUCTION STUDIES The course begins with an overview of the basic principles and techniques of nerve conduction studies.

INSTRUMENTATION  Next is a thorough explanation of instrumentation. Basic concepts include the recording and stimulation systems, amplifiers, filters, analog-to-digital conversion, gain/sensitivity, timebase, signal averager, electrical safety and suggested instrument settings.

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF NERVE AND MUSCLE  You will also learn the anatomy and physiology of nerve and muscle with topics to include the motor and sensory systems, individual nerve anatomy, roots and dermatomes, motor unit, neuromuscular junction, muscle anatomy, and polarization of cells.

TESTING PROTOCOL AND HANDS-ON WORKSHOPS  Testing protocol covers electrode placement and instrument parameters and students will work as partners in workshops to practice testing the upper extremity, specifically the brachial plexus and the median, ulnar, and radial nerves. Lower extremity practice will include the lumbosacral plexus and the peroneal, posterior tibial, and sural nerves. H-Reflex, F-Waves, Repetitive Stimulation, and Blink Reflexes will also be covered in lecture and workshop format.

TROUBLESHOOTING AND PITFALLS   This part of the course will address nerve anomalies, temperature, standardization, electrode placement, stimulation and measurement errors, and electrical interference. Suggested protocols will be offered.