Evoked potentials

Evoked Potentials

Evoked potentials (pronunciation: /ɪˈvoʊkt pəˈtenʃəlz/) are a measure of the electrical activity of the brain in response to specific sensory stimuli.

Etymology

The term "evoked potential" is derived from the Latin words "evocare" meaning "to call out" and "potential" from the Latin "potentia" meaning "power". Thus, it refers to the "power called out" from the brain by a specific stimulus.

Definition

An Evoked potential is a type of electroencephalogram (EEG) that measures the brain's electrical response to sensory stimulation. This can include visual, auditory, or somatosensory stimuli. The resulting waveforms are analyzed for their amplitude and latency which can provide information about the functioning of the sensory pathways.

Types of Evoked Potentials

There are several types of evoked potentials, including:

Visual Evoked Potentials (VEP): These are responses to visual stimuli, such as flashing lights or patterns.
Auditory Evoked Potentials (AEP): These are responses to auditory stimuli, such as sounds or tones.
Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (SEP): These are responses to somatosensory stimuli, such as touch or vibration.

Clinical Significance

Evoked potentials are used in clinical settings to assess the function of sensory pathways, including the optic nerves and spinal cord. They can help diagnose conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Optic Neuritis, and Acoustic Neuroma. They can also be used to monitor brain function during surgery and to assess hearing in newborns.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Evoked potentials
Wikipedia's article - Evoked potentials

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Evoked potentials