Re: somatosensory evoked potentials

Posted By CCF Neuro MD* on November 02, 1998 at 21:29:00:

In Reply to: somatosensory evoked potentials posted by Christine on November 02, 1998 at 21:05:05:






My doctor wants to do a somatosensory evoked potential test to help diagnose possible multiple sclerosis.  Is this a good diagnostic test for MS?  Is it painful?  Also, can it cause cardiac arrythmia's?  I have a prosthetic mitral valve and am prone to cardiac arrythmia's so I am concerned since I've heard that tests using electrical currents can cause heart arrythmias.  Any input?
Christine
Dear Christine,
Somatosensory Evoked Potential (ssep) is one test used to help in the diagnosis of MS.  Abnormalities with SSEPS are not specific for MS and can be abnormal due to other disease processes. Information gained from the SSEP in addition to clinical history, physical exam, MRI, and spinal tap results can either support or refute the diagnosis of MS. The technique  consists of applying a 5-per second painless electrical stimulus at various nerves in the arms or legs and recording at various locations (near clavicle, cervical spine, and  parietal cortex).  The impulses generated by the stimuli are averaged and the time the impulse takes to reach the various points is measured.  Abnormalities include slowing or blocking at the various points.  The test will not interfere with cardiac function. Good Luck.