Multimodality visual evoked potentials in evaluating visual dysfunction in optic neuritis

Visual information is processed via multiple, parallel channels. The present study examined the clinical feasibility of multimodality visual evoked potentials (VEPs) in optic neuritis. We recorded transient VEPs to 30' checkerboard patterns, chromatic and achromatic sinusoidal gratings and apparent motion, and steady-state VEPs to achromatic gratings in 15 normal controls and 14 patients. VEPs to 30' checks were abnormal in 10 eyes (7 patients); however, considering all five modalities, abnormal responses were seen in 20 eyes (12 patients). Abnormality rates were not equal among the visual stimuli, which thus suggested possible dysfunction of individual subdivisions in the visual pathways. We conclude that use of multimodality VEPs may increase both understanding of the pathophysiology of the visual pathways and diagnostic yield.