What is Evoked Potential Testing?
Detecting Multiple Sclerosis (MS) And More
An evoked potential test measures the time it takes for nerves to respond to stimulation. The size of the response is also measured. Nerves from different areas of the body may be tested.
VEP Testing
(Visual Evoked Potentials)
Visual evoked potential test checks the nerves that go from the eye to the visual cortex. The VEP is used to identify impaired transmission along the optic nerve pathways. This is a very simple test and it involves a series of visual stimuli via a television monitor and a recording of the response as it reaches the brain.
SSEP Testing
(Somato-Sensory Evoked Potentials
Somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) tests evaluate the nerve pathway from the peripheral nerve through the spine to the somatosensory region of the brain. (“Somato” means body; “sensory” means the reception and transmission of sense impressions.)
SSEP tests are useful in evaluating spinal cord injuries or disease, neuromuscular disease, and demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis and others. This is a very simple test and it involves a series of small stimuli in the median and/or tibial nerves and a recording of the response as it reaches the brain.
BAER Testing
(Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials)
Brainstem auditory evoked potential tests the ear and the brain for auditory and brainstem disorders.
This is a very simple test, and it involves a series of sounds that are heard via a set of headphones and a recording of the response as it reaches the brain.
