Evoked Potentials

Evoked Potentials, sometimes called Evoked Responses, are tests that record the brain’s response to sounds, touch, and light. These tests help to evaluate a number of neurological conditions.

• Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential (BAER) checks the pathway from the ear to the brain. The BAEP test may help uncover the cause of hearing balance problems, and other symptoms.
• Somatosensory Evoked Potential (SSEP) checks the pathway from the nerves in the limbs to the brain. It is the way to study the function of the nerves, the spinal cord, and brain.
• Visual Evoked Potential (VEP) checks the pathway from the eyes to the brain and may help find the cause of certain vision problems and other conditions.

Preparation:

• No Children please.
• Please be on time. If you are more than 10 minutes late your test may be rescheduled.
• You may eat, drink, and keep your normal schedule until the test.
• The evening before or morning of your appointment, wash and dry your hair but do not apply any spray, oil, mousse, or cream.
• Please do not wear perfume or apply lotions or oils to your skin.
• If you have contact lenses, glasses, or a hearing aid, please wear them for this test.

What can I expect?

For each of these tests, a technologist will use toothpaste like gel to position and apply small electrodes to your scalp. In some cases, on your earlobes, shoulders, neck, and back. The electrodes will be attached to equipment that records your brain’s responses to certain stimuli. Each test takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes to perform and is painless, safe, and performed with little to no discomfort.

After care:

You may resume your normal activities immediately after testing. You must schedule a follow up appointment for these results approximately a week after the test was performed.