What are evoked potentials (EP) tests used for?
Evoked Potentials are tests that measure the brain’s response to certain types of stimulation. They are less sensitive than MRI and LP in diagnosing MS but may still be helpful in certain situations. Three kinds of EPs are used by neurologists: • Visual evoked potentials (VEP) look for abnormalities in the visual system, particularly the optic nerves. • Brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP) look for hearing abnormalities in the inner ear and the hearing centers in the brain. • Somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP) look for abnormalities in the transmission of sensation from an arm or leg through the spinal cord to the brain.
