Pudendal nerve somatosensory evoked potentials in paediatrics: maturation aspects

Pudendal nerve somatosensory evoked potentials (PN-SSEPs) were recorded in 21 healthy children (age range: 3.3-13.3 years). The dorsal nerve of the penis/clitoris was stimulated and SSEPs were recorded at spinal L1-D12 and at cortical Cz'-Fz. Morphology, latency and amplitude of the cortical SSEPs were evaluated. A cortical response was obtained in all but two subjects. Cortical SSEPs were broader and less defined in shape in the youngest subjects. There was a progressive shortening of the latency of the P and N components during growth. Spinal responses were obtained only in 6 cases. Nine subjects also underwent tibial nerve stimulation. Pudendal and tibial SSEPs differed in their degree of maturation.