Book chapter
Chapter 20 Applications of SSEP recordings in the evaluation of the peripheral nervous system
Handbook of Clinical Neurophysiology, pp.443-466
Elsevier Health Sciences
2006
DOI: 10.1016/S1567-4231(09)70081-4
Abstract
This chapter describes the various methods of somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) recordings using electrical as well as various natural stimuli, and discusses the usefulness and limitations of various modes of stimulation used to evaluate the central sensory pathways and function of peripheral nerves. Because SSEPs track the functional integrity of the peripheral and central nervous system, a lesion affecting any part of somatosensory pathway may alter the recorded SSEP. SSEP components, especially far-field potentials of short latency, prove useful in localizing lesions that affect the spinal cord, brainstem, subcortical, and cortical regions. SSEPs are conventionally elicited by electrical stimulation of either mixed or cutaneous nerves. Although more natural stimulations, such as pain, temperature, and pressure, can elicit SSEPs, the early responses are much smaller than those of electrically elicited SSEPs, because the onset and offset of natural stimuli are more gradual and the natural stimulus devices are more complicated. Thus, the use of SSEP studies to evaluate pain and temperature function has not been popularized as clinical diagnostic tests.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Chapter 20 Applications of SSEP recordings in the evaluation of the peripheral nervous system
- Creators
- Malcolm YehThom YamadaJim Kimura
- Resource Type
- Book chapter
- Publication Details
- Handbook of Clinical Neurophysiology, pp.443-466
- Publisher
- Elsevier Health Sciences
- DOI
- 10.1016/S1567-4231(09)70081-4
- ISSN
- 1567-4231
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 2006
- Academic Unit
- Neurology
- Record Identifier
- 9984020885202771
Metrics
24 Record Views