Nerve conduction studies evaluate neuromuscular disease by providing a neurophysiological assessment of peripheral nerves, neuromuscular junctions, muscles, dorsal root ganglion cells, and anterior horn cells. The peripheral nerve is studied with regard to its pathophysiology and its localization.

Motor nerve conduction studies assess the motor axons by selectively recording the muscle response to nerve stimulation. Similarly, sensory nerve conduction studies access the sensory axons by stimulating and recording from the peripheral nerves or the peripheral sensory axons.

The value of nerve conduction studies is their capacity to assess the neurophysiology of the lower motor neuron structure and to localize abnormalities along the path of a nerve. These studies can then characterize whether a neuropathy arises from abnormalities of the motor nerve, sensory nerve, or mixed nerve, and whether the disorder is a demyelinating or an axonal one.

The anterior horn cells, neuromuscular junctions, and the muscles can also be studied. Anomalous innervation is also identified. These studies provide objective measurements with regard to localization, severity, and pathophysiology, and they can also help with prognosis.

Nerve conduction studies evaluate the efficiency and speed at which the nerves can send electrical signals.