Why is this procedure done?
The brain is the center of the human nervous system. It controls everything you do. Your eyes collect shapes, colors, movements, and more. Then, your eyes process them and send small, electrical sound signals to your brain. These are what you "see. " � � �
Doctors have a test to see how your brain responds to light or patterns. It looks at the small electrical signals. The test is a visual evoked potential. It is also called VEP. Small sticky pads are put on your scalp to measure the electrical signals that happen after the light or pattern is shown. � �
Your doctor may do this test to: � �
- Check for nerve damage that may cause loss of eyesight, double vision, flashing lights, or problems seeing colors
- Check for multiple sclerosis
- Test eyesight in children and adults who cannot read eye charts
What will the results be?
This test will help your doctor see if the nerves in your eyes are working as they should. � �
What happens before the procedure?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do before the test.
- Get a good night sleep the night before the test.
- Wash your hair the night before the procedure.
- Do not apply anything to your hair prior to procedure.
- If you wear eye glasses or contact lenses, bring them with you.
- Your doctor may get your health history and do an eye exam.
- Tell your doctor if you have any eye illnesses like glaucoma or cataracts.
What happens during the procedure?
- You will sit on a chair.
- Patches, called electrodes, will be placed on your scalp with a special type of glue. Wires will be attached to the patches for the test.
- The doctor will test one eye at a time. You may be asked to close one eye or cover it with a patch.
- Your doctor will have you look at a flashing light or checkerboard pattern on a screen. Your nerve response will be recorded on the machine.
- Your doctor may repeat the steps to check your other eye.
- Your doctor will remove the patches from your head.
- You can wash the glue off of your scalp with soap and water.
- The test takes about 45 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
You may go home 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 may go back to your normal activities after the test.
- The results of your test will be sent to your doctor.
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 more treatment is needed. � �
What problems could happen?
- You may get irritation from the patches placed on your scalp.
- If you have a history of epilepsy, this test may cause a seizure attack.
Where can I learn more?
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke � �
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/misc/diagnostic_tests.htm � �
National Multiple Sclerosis Society � �
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/about-multiple-sclerosis/what-we-know-about-ms/diagnosing-ms/evoked-potentials/index.aspx � �
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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