Peripheral Nerve Ultrasound
Examination of the nerves in the arm and leg for tingling, numbness or suspected entrapment
Price: €100
Self-pay service
No referral needed
Self-pay service
Appointment within 24–48h
No waiting lists
Immediate results
With doctor's explanation
Safe and painless
No radiation
What is Peripheral Nerve Ultrasound?
A nerve ultrasound is a painless examination of the course and thickness of the peripheral nerves in the arm or leg; it costs €100, takes 20 minutes, results are given immediately and no referral is needed.
The examination shows the structure of a nerve and the tissues around it, so it can help assess whether something is pressing on the nerve at a particular site. It complements the clinical examination and, where needed, electromyography (EMG).
The examination can show:
Peripheral nerve ultrasound – arm
€100
The examination focuses on the nerve and site that match your symptoms. Most commonly these are:
- Median nerve at the wrist — carpal tunnel syndrome, typically with tingling or numbness of the thumb, index and middle fingers, often at night
- Ulnar nerve around the elbow or wrist — tingling in the little and ring fingers
- Radial nerve around the elbow and in the forearm
Peripheral nerve ultrasound – leg
€100
The examination focuses on the nerve and site that match your symptoms. Most commonly these are:
- Tibial nerve in the tarsal tunnel behind the inner ankle — burning pain or tingling in the sole
- Peroneal nerve below the knee — weakness when lifting the foot or numbness on the top of the foot
- Nerves between the metatarsal bones — Morton's neuroma, which causes pain between the toes
If the main problem is pain in a joint or tendons, an elbow ultrasound or a wrist ultrasound may be more suitable.
When should you have a nerve ultrasound?
What a nerve ultrasound does not show
Ultrasound shows the structure of a nerve, not how it functions: it does not measure electrical conduction, which is the purpose of electromyography (EMG). A normal result therefore does not rule out entrapment or another nerve condition.
Ultrasound does not show the spinal cord or the nerve roots in the spine. The same symptoms can also be caused by changes in the cervical or lumbar spine and by conditions affecting several nerves (e.g. in diabetes); these call for other examinations, which you should discuss with a doctor.
How does the examination proceed?
A nerve ultrasound is a painless examination that takes about 20 minutes:
- 1You sit or lie down so that the area to be examined is accessible.
- 2The doctor applies clear gel to the skin for better probe contact.
- 3The probe follows the nerve along its course and also examines it in cross-section.
- 4At possible entrapment sites its thickness is measured and, if needed, compared with the other side.
- 5You may be asked to move the examined part so that nerve movement can be assessed.
- 6The findings are explained to you immediately after the examination.
Ultrasound does not use ionizing radiation and does not involve needles or electrical stimulation.
Preparation for a peripheral nerve ultrasound
No special preparation is needed. Just follow these guidelines:
Remove jewellery
For an arm examination, remove your watch, bracelets and rings beforehand.
Clothing
Wear loose clothing so that the area to be examined is easy to access.
Bring documentation
If you have previous reports (EMG, X-ray, MRI), bring them with you.
Describe your symptoms
Think about where and when the symptoms occur (at night, at work, during sport) — this helps the doctor during the examination.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a peripheral nerve ultrasound cost?
A peripheral nerve ultrasound of the arm costs €100, and a peripheral nerve ultrasound of the leg also costs €100. This is a self-pay service.
Can ultrasound show carpal tunnel syndrome?
Ultrasound can show thickening of the median nerve and changes in the carpal tunnel, which supports a suspected entrapment. The diagnosis is based on symptoms and a clinical examination and, if needed, on EMG.
What is the difference between ultrasound and EMG?
EMG measures the function of nerves and muscles using electrical stimulation and often a fine needle, so it can be uncomfortable. Ultrasound is painless and shows the structure of the nerve and the tissues around it. The two complement each other, and ultrasound does not always replace EMG.
What can cause tingling in the fingers?
A common cause is nerve entrapment at the wrist or elbow, but changes in the cervical spine and conditions affecting several nerves are also possible. Ultrasound examines only the peripheral nerves, so the result must be assessed together with your symptoms and a clinical examination.
What is the tarsal tunnel?
The tarsal tunnel is a narrow space behind the inner ankle through which the tibial nerve runs. Entrapment there can cause burning pain or tingling in the sole. Ultrasound can show the nerve and any masses pressing on it.
Do you work with referrals?
No. We are a self-pay practice, so no referral is needed. The price of the examination is known in advance and published on this page, and an appointment is usually available within 24–48 hours. You can book online or by phone at 01 777 42 55.
Book an appointment →Examination information
Price
€100
Self-pay service
Duration
20 min
Report
Immediately with explanation
Referral
Not required
Why Ultrazdravje
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Report immediately with explanation — the doctor explains the findings at the end of the examination.
📋 When booking, choose peripheral nerve ultrasound of the arm or of the leg.
Book an appointment
Appointment within 24–48 hours
Štihova ulica 3, Ljubljana
By appointment
Other ultrasound examinations at Ultrazdravje
Book an appointment
No waiting, no referral. Appointment within 24–48 hours.
Štihova ulica 3, Ljubljana | By appointment