What is an evoked potential test used for?

Doctors use evoked potential tests to demonstrate abnormalities in nerve and brain pathways functioning that might stem from neurological conditions. They also use SEPs during some surgeries to monitor neurologic function during surgery.

Doctors most frequently use these tests in an outpatient setting to diagnose multiple sclerosis (MS), but they are also used to assist in the diagnosis of other diseases.

For example, a visual evoked potential can help diagnose optic nerve tumours or neuropathy. A BAER test can examine hearing (particularly in infants) and might even indicate potential brainstem tumours.

Why might I need an evoked potentials study?

Your physician will order these tests to evaluate hearing or sight, particularly in infants and children. They are also used for diagnosing disorders of the optic nerve. They can detect tumours and other conditions that affect the brain and spinal cord. They are used to determine the level of brain function during a coma and to predict the likelihood of recovery. They are sometimes used to monitor nerve function during some surgical procedures.

These tests usually do not point to a specific diagnosis of what is responsible for the abnormality. However, the evoked potential test may sometimes confirm a multiple sclerosis diagnosis.

There might be other reasons your doctor may recommend an evoked potentials test.

How does an evoked potential test work?

Evoked potential tests are non-invasive procedures that show whether specific nerves work properly. These include:

• Nerves in your spinal cord
• Nerves in your arms and legs
• The primary nerve in your inner ear
• The major nerve in each eye

This test includes two essential parts:

• EEG: Doctor will place small metal discs (electrodes) on your scalp and, in some cases, your spine. These electrodes connect by wires to a particular machine. Together, they record your brain's electrical activity or brain waves.
• Nerve stimulation: Doctors will apply noise, visual cues, or a mild electric current to activate (stimulate) your nerves. Then, with the help of the EEG, we will see how your brain responds.

By stimulating the speed and completeness of nerve signals of sight, sound, or touch, doctors can measure them.

How should I get ready for an evoked potential examination?

Your physician will explain what will happen during the procedure and what needs to be done in advance. Don't hold back in questioning, and adhere to provided pretest guidelines.

Before the test, you'll need to ensure your hair is clean and free of hair sprays, oils, or gels. These will disrupt the working of the electrodes.

What happens during evoked potential tests?

There are various types of evoked potential tests, so the procedure may vary.

The following is the general expectation for each type:

• Visual evoked potential (VEP):A physician will attach electrodes (small metal disks) on your scalp at certain locations. You will be patching one of your eyes and looking at a monitor displaying a flickering visual stimulus (usually a checkered pattern). After the provider tests one eye, then it is one's turn to repeat the procedure on the other eye.
• Brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER): A physician will attach electrodes on your scalp and earlobes or other specific places. You will listen to rotating clicks sounded through headphones. The provider will test one ear and then the other.
• Somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP): A doctor will apply electrodes to your wrist, the back of your knee, or other sites on your body, in addition to your scalp. They will then stimulate your body with a weak electrical current through the electrodes and watch how long the signal takes to reach your brain.

Who might require an evoked potential test?

When paired with other diagnostic tests, like MRI scans, evoked potential tests may also help determine whether you have nerve damage and whether certain medical conditions cause this damage.'These include:

• hospital-bill-question
• Acoustic neuroma
• Multiple sclerosis or other neuroimmune diseases
• Neuromuscular disease ;
• Optic neuritis
• Peripheral neuropathy

How long does an evoked potential test take?

This depends on the type of test; in general, they vary from 60 to 90 minutes. Your doctor will give you more specific details of what to expect.

What do the results of an evoked potential test mean?

Results will be interpreted by specially trained neurologists or neurophysiologists and presented as a report. They will send this report to your doctor. Your doctor will share the results with you but will also let you know if you need any other tests.

The results of this test, along with those from other diagnostic tests, such as the neurologic examination or MRI, will be considered by your doctor before any diagnosis is made.

To seek an expert consultation

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

Request a Call Back