The use of somatosensory evoked potentials for the evaluation of the peripheral nervous system

Use of the somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) in the evaluation of the peripheral nervous system is described. When using SEPs to evaluate peripheral nervous system disease, it is assumed that the central nervous system is intact. SEPs can be used to measure conduction through nerves that, by nature of their anatomic site, are difficult to assess. By reason of central amplification they can indicate return of nerve continuity following trauma before peripheral sensory action potentials are recordable. For the same reason, it is possible to use them to measure peripheral sensory conduction velocity when conventional methods cannot be applied. They are helpful in the localization of plexopathies. Considerable effort has been devoted to their use in radiculopathies, but, for the most part, their role here is limited.