Use of evoked potentials in the diagnosis and follow-up of multiple sclerosis

Many types of evoked potentials (EPs) can help in assisting the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Visual EPs are the most useful because of the clinical importance of the optic nerves and because of their sensitivity, precision, and reproducibility. Brainstem auditory EPs require less patient preparation but have a lower yield. Somatosensory EPs cover a greater expanse of the nervous system and have a high sensitivity in MS, but their recording and interpretation vary more across laboratories. Motor EPs also have a high yield in MS patients. EPs are unlikely to be reliable in gauging disease progress in individuals, but they may have a role in assessing progression in clinical trial cohorts. All EPs require careful attention to technical standards and experienced interpretation with an appropriate clinical perspective.