Multichannel visual evoked potentials in the assessment of visual pathways in children with marked brain abnormalities

Abstract

In children with markedly abnormal brain anatomy, multichannel VEP recordings can provide quantifiable measures of visual pathway function detected in atypical locations. VEPs provide a quantifiable measure of visual function that could be used to assist in determining visual acuity levels, and offered a baseline for monitoring in the context of raised intracranial pressure. These recordings were also able to identify functional anatomical structures that were not apparent on MRI. In a clinical setting, the use of additional recordings from nonstandard electrode placement based on the MRI findings is suggested.

ERGs on the brain: the benefits of simultaneous flash retinal and cortical responses in paediatric cerebral visual impairment

“…Though very reproducible within a subject, flash VEPs are highly variable in morphology between individuals [ 3 , 4 ] making interpretation of atypical responses in the presence of gross pathology challenging. In children with significant CVI, the flash VEPs may be maximally localised to non-standard regions of the scalp [ 5 ], atypical in morphology, but also markedly reduced in amplitude or increased in latency [ 6 ].…”