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Analysis of visual evoked responses in multiple sclerosis
Biomedicine / [Publiee Pour L'A.A.I.C.I.G.]
|December 1, 1980
Summary
Visual evoked responses (VERs) effectively detect optic nerve damage in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients, even without prior symptoms. This diagnostic tool aids in identifying retro-bulbar optic neuritis (RBON) sequels in MS.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
Background:
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) often involves the anterior optic tracts, leading to retro-bulbar optic neuritis (RBON).
- Visual evoked responses (VERs) measure the brain's electrical activity in response to visual stimuli, reflecting optic nerve health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of pattern-reversal VERs in detecting RBON sequels in MS patients.
- To assess the impact of stimulus size (8' and 20' squares) on VER sensitivity for RBON detection.
- To correlate VER findings with clinical ophthalmological examinations.
Main Methods:
- 102 MS patients were studied using pattern-reversal visual evoked responses (VERs).
- Stimuli included 8' and 20' checkerboard squares.
- VER results were compared between patients with and without a history of RBON, and across MS classifications (definitive, probable, possible).
Main Results:
- All patients with a history of RBON exhibited pathological VERs using 8' squares.
- VERs detected RBON sequels in MS patients even without clinical history, particularly in definitive, probable (100%), and possible (57%) MS.
- VER abnormalities showed no etiological significance, appearing in other optic nerve conditions.
Conclusions:
- Pattern-reversal VERs are highly effective in detecting RBON sequels in MS patients, including subclinical cases.
- VERs serve as a valuable tool for monitoring optic nerve involvement in MS.
- While sensitive, VER findings require clinical correlation due to their non-specific nature.