Evoked Potentials

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته


An Evoked Potential

are used to measure the electrical activity
in certain areas of the brain and spinal cord
Electrical activity is produced by stimulation of specific
sensory nerve pathways
These tests are used in combination with other diagnostic
tests to assist in the diagnosis of multiple
sclerosis (MS) and other disorders

Evoked potentials test and record how
quickly and completely the nerve signals reach the brain
Evoked potentials are used because they can indicate
problems along nerve pathways that are too subtle
to show up during a neurologic examination
or to be noticed by the person
The disruption may not even be visible on MRI exam

These tests can be helpful in making the diagnosis
of MS and other disorders
In MS, signal transmission can slow down and
the signal becomes weak
Evoked potentials are used to show abnormalities
in the function of nerve pathways that can be caused by MS


Types of evoked potentials

(Visual Evoked Potentials (VEP
the patient sits before a screen in which
alternating patterns are displayed

(Auditory Evoked Potentials (AEP
the patient listens to a series of clicks in each ear

(Sensory Evoked Potentials (SEP
short electrical impulses are administered on the arm or leg

Motor Evoked Potentials
these can detect disruption on a motor pathway
of the brain or spinal cord
(not commonly used to diagnose MS )



? What happens during the test

During an evoked potential test, wires are attached
to the scalp, neck, and limbs
It usually takes about one to two hours to do each test
The testing is usually harmless and painless
The only discomfort is a slight tingling of the arms and/or
legs during stimulation
No needles or injections are involved, and there is no radiation
You may not have to go through all of the tests

While evoked potentials are used to assist with t
he diagnosis of MS, other conditions can also
produce abnormal results
For that reason, a neurologist or a neurophysiologist who
has a special training in these tests should interpret the results
Information provided by these tests will be considered
along with other findings from a clinical history, neurological
exam, MRI, and other clinical or laboratory information
when diagnosing a medical condition


:D


OrjoWan


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