Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 23, 2026
Nerve Excitability Assessment in Chemotherapy-induced Neurotoxicity
Published on: April 26, 2012
Contact heat evoked potentials: normal values and use in small-fiber neuropathy
Vera Lagerburg1, Mayienne Bakkers, Anne Bouwhuis
1Department of Clinical Physics, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
Introduction:
Contact heat evoked potentials (CHEPs) may be an objective, non-invasive diagnostic tool in small-fiber neuropathy (SFN). This study establishes normal CHEP values and examines their applicability in SFN patients.
Methods:
Standardized CHEPs were administered at the wrist and ankle. The N2 and P2 latencies and N2 -P2 peak-peak amplitude were recorded by electroencephalography. We examined healthy subjects (n = 97), stratified by age and gender, and SFN patients with abnormal intraepidermal nerve fiber density (n = 42). CHEP reproducibility and interobserver values were also investigated.
Results:
CHEP normative values were determined. There was a 9-16% increase in latency per centimeter of height with increasing age. Amplitudes were higher in women than men, and decreased (17-71%) with aging. Test-retest reproducibility and interobserver values were >0.61 and >0.96, respectively. CHEPs were abnormal in 73.8% of the patients.
Conclusion:
In this study we have established normal values, reliability, and clinical applicability of CHEPs in SFN.
