Evoked Potentials

BAEP (Brain Auditory Evoked Potential) checks the pathway from the ear to the brain. The BAEP test may help uncover the cause of hearing, balance, and other problems. Evoked Potential testing measures the electrical signals carried by the auditory nerve quickly, safely, and painlessly.

Electrodes are placed at several locations on your scalp. Earphones are placed over your ears and they deliver the stimulus (clicks or tones). One ear at a time is tested. A computer records the results as your brain responds to the stimulus. The test usually takes about one hour.

To prepare for the test:

Wash your hair and skin. DO NOT use oil or lotions.
Eat a normal meal.
Take your normal medications.
Allow plenty of time.
Arrive on time.
RELAX-it's the key to this testing.

BAEP for Infants (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials for Infants) assesses your child to determine if there is a hearing loss. The State of Ohio has recently passed a law stating that the parents of any child born in a high risk situation such as premature birth, those requiring antibiotics at birth, etc. will be notified to have a BAEP test given to their child.

The procedure is painless and has no side effects. It will take approximately two hours. Your child will need to be asleep before we can start the test and must sleep during the entire test, so a sedative may be advised. Please call your pediatrician's office for the prescription for sedation. Please have the prescription filled and bring it with you to the appointment. DO NOT GIVE THE MEDICATION BEFORE THE APPOINTMENT.

Please make sure the child is tired when you come in. We realize that this can be difficult. However, since the sedation is a mild one, it will not work, if your child isn't tired, and you will have to return another day for the test. Please bring a bottle with you, as you will be able to feed your child to help them get to sleep.

One parent will be with the child for the entire time. It is suggested that if you have other small children, that you arrange for their care at home.

After the test, the results will be sent to your pediatrician. Please contact their office for the results.

DSEP (Dermatomal Somatosensory Evoked Potential) checks the pathway from the nerves and the limbs to the brain. The DSEP test allows us to study the function of the spinal cord and nerves in the limbs.

Electrodes (small metal discs) are placed on your scalp and legs or arms. The stimulus is given at four different places on the arm or leg being tested. The stimulus is a mild electrical pulse (which may cause a vibratory sensation with mild discomfort or muscle twitch). A computer records the results as your brain and spinal cord respond to the stimulus. Total time may be over two hours. On occasion, a mild sedative may be prescribed in order to help you relax during the test.

SEP (Somatosensory Evoked Potential) checks the pathway from the nerves in the limbs to the brain. The SEP test is a way to study the function of the spinal cord and nerves in the limbs.

Electrodes (small metal discs) are placed on your scalp, neck, shoulder, and wrist for the upper body SEP, or on the scalp, lower back, neck, knee, or ankle. The stimulus is a mild electrical pulse (which may cause a vibratory sensation with mild discomfort or muscle twitch). A computer records the results as your brain and spinal cord respond to the stimulus. Total time may be over two hours. On occasion, a mild sedative may be prescribed in order to help you relax during the test.

VEP (Visual Evoked Potential) checks the pathway from the eyes to the brain. The VEP test may help find the cause of certain vision problems and other conditions such as multiple sclerosis. VEP quickly and safely measures the electrical signals carried by the optic nerves.

Electrodes (small metal discs) are placed at several places on your scalp. You are seated in front of a TV screen and asked to stare at the center. One eye is tested at a time. The TV screen will show a reversing checkerboard pattern. A computer records the results as your brain responds to the image. The test is pain-free and usually takes one and one half hours.