Multimodality evoked potentials: clinical applications and assessment of utility.

Abstract

Visual evoked potentials (VEP), brain stem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP), somatosensory evoked potential (SEP), and long latency event related potentials (ERP) have been used to assess various aspects of the central nervous system. Multimodality evoked potential (MEP) testing uses a combination of these tests in the same clinical setting. In the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and in the diagnosis of brain death, MEP testing has been shown to be more effective than any one evoked potential test used alone. In head trauma, MEP testing is an effective means of localization and prognostication. There are potential uses for MEP testing in Parkinson's Disease and uremia.