Neurological condition at birth in relation to the electroencephalogram (EEG) and visual evoked potential (VEP) at...

The correlation between the neonatal neurological condition (Prechtl) and VEP and EEG parameters at the age of 5 have been investigated in 87 normal children. It was found that the more optimal the neurological condition at birth, the shorter the VEP peak latencies (especially of the late components) at the age of 5. Only few and weak correlations between the neonatal condition and EEG at the age of 5 were found. The VEP appears to be a more sensitive detector for late sequelae of supposed perinatal neurological problems than EEG. VEP changes can be explained by "inattention' or "distraction'. Another factor may be delayed maturation.