Auditory and Visual Evoked Potentials

Types of Visual Evoked Potentials

Visual Evoked Potentials (VEPs) are neurophysiological tests that measure the electrical response of the visual pathway to visual stimuli. They are used in ophthalmology and neurology to assess optic nerve function and diagnose conditions such as optic neuritis and multiple sclerosis.

Types of Visual Evoked Potentials

• Pattern Reversal VEP: The most commonly used VEP, involving alternating black-and-white checkerboard patterns to stimulate the visual cortex.
• Flash VEP: Utilized when the patient cannot fixate on a visual pattern, using bright flashes to evoke responses.
• Steady-State VEP: Uses continuous, repetitive visual stimuli to assess specific frequencies of visual processing.
• Multifocal VEP: Allows for mapping of visual function across different regions of the visual field.

Clinical Applications of VEPs

VEPs are crucial in diagnosing and monitoring various visual disorders including optic neuropathy, glaucoma, and amblyopia. They also serve as valuable tools for assessing visual function in infants and non-verbal patients.