SSEP
Also written as: SSEP — Somatosensory Evoked Potential
A neurophysiological test measuring electrical responses along sensory pathways from peripheral nerves to the cerebral cortex.
Full Definition
SSEP (Somatosensory Evoked Potential) testing involves electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves while recording responses at multiple levels of the nervous system, from spinal cord to cerebral cortex. The test evaluates the integrity of sensory pathways and is commonly performed by stimulating the median nerve at the wrist or the posterior tibial nerve at the ankle. SSEPs are frequently used in intraoperative monitoring during spinal surgery to detect potential injury to sensory pathways. Clinical documentation often abbreviates this as SSEP, and editors should ensure consistency in capitalization and usage throughout neurophysiology reports.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize as SSEP; distinguish from SEP which may refer to various evoked potentials.
In Context
- "Median nerve SSEPs showed normal cortical responses bilaterally." — Neurophysiology report
- "Intraoperative SSEP monitoring detected changes during spinal cord manipulation." — Surgical monitoring report