Evoked Potential Testing????

Can someone please tell me if the Evoked Potential Test is necessary for diagnosis of MS?  I know it isn't a definite diagnostic tool, but is it 'usually' given to suspected MS cases????

I was wondering because my Neuro has never mentioned this test to me, and I have just read about it on here...

Thanks for any info...

Tammy

[wingnut19]

Hmmmmm.....anybody have any info on the above?


:)

[CtResident]

Hi! When I went to the neuro (not an MS-specific neuro though), he told me there would be a lot of testing going on. There is NOT one particular test to diagnose MS, there are a lot of them. And yes, EP's are in that list.

There are different abbreviations for each of them, here is a link for you.

http://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/evoked-potential-test-for-multiple-sclerosis

In my instance, I had VEP (visual evoked potential), BAER (brainstem auditory evoked response) but didn't have the SSEP (somatosensory evoked potential). If you come upon other abbreviations, that site will clarify it for you.

Also, in general, it is suggested that you move from a generalized neuro to an MS specializing neuro! Maybe that is why your dr. didn't suggest it?

Suzanne

[wingnut19]

Thanks for the info Suzanne!  I really appreciate it....My Neuro is sending to an MS Clinic, but I just have to wait a bit....(Hopefully not too long)....

Thanks again for the info and advice...

Take care,

Tammy

[Quixotic1]

No, it is not at all necessary.  It is ordered when it may provide needed evidence pointing toward MS.  Positive EP's (especially the VEP) often help cement the diagnosis.  Negative EP's don't tell much either way.

I have  never had one, but I have never had visual symptoms (although a large people with definite MS have a + VEP without any suggestive history).

Quix

[wingnut19]

Finally, a question you DO know.....(LOL---kidding!)

Thanks, Quix....and nice pic,by the way.....You're right..stay away from the salad bars!


Tammy

[Rena705]

You don't talk to your doctors like this do you???  ha ha

Maybe Dr. Wingnut from the neuro department was just afraid to tell you what your results were..ya think...tee hee

Couldn't resist honey!! ha ha ha

[wingnut19]

Liked my poem, though, didn't you??  

:)

[denise61]

BOYYYYYYYYYYY AM I GLAD WE HAVE YOU!!!

TALK LATTER I HAVE ALOT OF ISSUES COMING UP!!!

THANKS FOR THE WHEEL POWER YA ALLLLL!!

DENISE61

[CtResident]

I gave confusing info, I'm sorry.

Suzanne

[wingnut19]

Now you lost me.....I didn't think your info was confusing....It actually made sense to me....(then again, I'm a Wingnut!   LOL)


Tammy

[CtResident]

Dr. Quix clarified in her post:

"No, it is not at all necessary.  It is ordered when it may provide needed evidence pointing toward MS.  Positive EP's (especially the VEP) often help cement the diagnosis.  Negative EP's don't tell much either way.

I have  never had one, but I have never had visual symptoms (although a large people with definite MS have a + VEP without any suggestive history)."

I spoke as if it was on the list of things that must be done for a diagnosis. That is wrong. It *might* be done.

I defer to Quix's expertise and offer a mea culpa.

Suzanne

[smittygirl]

Wow, this forum is spooky sometimes!   I JUST received a call from the doc's office today to tell me about the 4 tests I need to schedule.  I didn't know anything about them, was told only about the 2nd brain MRI and EMG test.  I was so shocked I can't even read my own writing, so here I go again asking for more help.    Here is what I think she said, an ENG test, a VAT??? any such test or was it VEP?   She said something about a platform test and one where they pour water in the ears ( what fun!)  The evoked potential for both audio and visual which could be one of two I mentioned above.  I will look up that web site you provided,  Can you tell me what the heck I'm talking about here?!    I am having the EMG and 2nd brain MRI on the 5th.  So now there are 6 tests he is doing plus a ton of bloodwork.  As we talked about  last night Quix, I am going to hold off on the Enbrel until I get some answers.  The office did tell me the reason for the 2 appts for the EMG is because it is too much with all the needles for upper and lower.  Sorry this one was so long.  Thanks as always.

Sue

[smittygirl]

Just looked at that site you gave us on WebMD, thanks sooooooo much.  Very informative, I like to know ahead of time what to expect.  


Sue

[Quixotic1]

Hmmm, about the tests they will be doing.  One of them sounds like a ENG or VNG.  Video ElectroNystagmosGram.  That's a test to evaluate the casue of vertigo, to see if they can determine whether it is from the inner ear (not MS) or from the brainstem (likely MS)  It uses hot and cold water in the ears.

A platform test....  If you are having fainting, or heart rate trouble that could be a cardiac test called a "Tilt Table."  Or it could be a vestibular (balance) test done on a moving platform called Computerized Posturography.

The visual potential one can be called a VEP, VER, or EVR.  The audio EP can be called an ABR or AEP or a BAER.

That's the best I can come up with.  I'll think about VAT.

Quix