The electrophysiological assessment of visual function in Multiple Sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Ophthalmology
• Clinical Neurology

Background:

• Vision assessment is key in diagnosing and monitoring multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Visual electrophysiology, including visual evoked potentials (VEPs), was historically vital for MS diagnosis.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has largely replaced VEPs in routine clinical practice for MS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the clinical applications of VEPs in managing MS patients.
• To discuss the technical considerations and limitations of using VEPs in MS.
• To highlight the resurgence of interest in VEPs due to advancements in technology and therapies.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical applications of visual evoked potentials (VEPs).
• Discussion of technical aspects and limitations of VEPs.
• Focus on multi-focal VEPs and their role in monitoring re-myelinating therapies.

Main Results:

• VEPs remain valuable for specific aspects of MS assessment.
• Advancements like multi-focal VEPs offer new monitoring capabilities.
• VEPs are relevant for evaluating the efficacy of emerging re-myelinating treatments.

Conclusions:

• Visual evoked potentials are regaining importance in MS management.
• Technical considerations and limitations must be addressed for optimal VEP use.
• VEPs provide a complementary tool to MRI in the comprehensive care of MS patients.