evoked potential
Electrical responses of the nervous system to specific sensory stimuli, measured to assess neural pathway function.
Full Definition
Evoked potentials (EPs) are neurodiagnostic tests that measure the electrical activity of the nervous system in response to sensory stimulation. These studies evaluate the integrity and function of specific neural pathways by recording brain or spinal cord responses to visual, auditory, or somatosensory stimuli. Common types include visual evoked potentials (VEPs), brainstem auditory evoked responses (BAERs), and somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs). Evoked potential studies are valuable for diagnosing multiple sclerosis, hearing loss, spinal cord injuries, and other neurological conditions affecting sensory pathways.
Usage
Usage note: May be written as evoked response in some contexts; plural form 'evoked potentials' is more common.
In Context
- "Visual evoked potentials showed prolonged P100 latencies bilaterally, suggesting optic nerve demyelination." — Multiple sclerosis workup
- "Intraoperative somatosensory evoked potentials remained stable throughout the spinal surgery." — Surgical monitoring report