Why is this procedure done?
The brain is the center of the nervous system. It controls everything you do. Your peripheral nerves carry signals from parts of your body. Then, small electrical sound signals are sent to your brain. These are what you "feel. " � For example, when your finger touches hot or cold items the brain responds and then you feel it. � �
Doctors have a test to see how fast a nerve signal on your skin travels to your brain and how the brain collects those signals. It looks at the small electrical signals. The test is somatosensory evoked potentials. It is also called SEP. Small sticky pads are put on your skin to measure the electrical signals that happen after a small electrical shock is given. The electric pulses show as patterns on a screen. � �
Your doctor may do this test to: � �
- Check how well your peripheral nerves, spinal cord, and brain send signals to and from parts of your body
- Find any nerve signals that may be blocked. This may be because of injury or illness that may have damaged your nerves.
- Check how your nerves work during certain types of surgery
What will the results be?
The test can help find any problem you may have with your nerves. � �
What happens before the procedure?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do before the test.
- Take a shower or bath before the test. Do not put any creams or lotions on your skin before the test.
- Do not take any drugs that will make you drowsy before the test.
- Wear loose-fitting clothes.
What happens during the procedure?
- You will sit or lie in a reclining chair.
- You may have small sticky pads on your head, neck, back, arm, and legs.
- Your doctor will check to make sure that all the pads are working well.
- Your doctor will give you a small electrical shock. This is called a pulse. You may feel it as a twinge or tingling.
- The pulse will start again each time your doctor tests a different part of your nerves.
- Each area tested will take 10 to 15 minutes.
- After the test, your doctor will remove the sticky pads.
- Wash your skin with mild soap and water. This will help to get rid of any sticky glue from where the pads were on your body.
- The test may take 1 to 2 hours.
What happens after the procedure?
- You may go home after the test.
- You may have some skin irritation from the patches after the test.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- You can return to your normal activities after the test.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to talk about the results of the test. Be sure to keep these visits. During your follow-up visit, your doctor may tell you if treatment or more testing is needed. � �
What problems could happen?
There are no problems caused by this test. � �
Where can I learn more?
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke � �
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/misc/diagnostic_tests.htm � �
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. � �
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