Trigeminal somatosensory evoked potentials in multiple sclerosis: a case report

Somatosensory evoked potentials elicited by trigeminal nerve stimulation (TSEPs) allow the study of the trigeminal system, its peripheral to its central portion. As a routine clinical testing procedure, however, this method has not yet received greater attention and still has to wait to become a part of the diagnostic workup in multiple sclerosis (MS). A patient diagnosed as MS was presented with selective involvement of the left trigeminal nerve. Neurophysiologically, the most prominent and persistent abnormalities were found in the TSEPs. The presumed diagnosis of MS was subsequently confirmed by MRI showing evidence of demyelinating disease. There has been a scarcity of references on TSEP. Our study emphasizes its usefulness and a plea is being made for the inclusion of TSEP in protocols for the diagnostic workup in patients with MS.