Diagnostic value of multimodal evoked potentials in patients with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Different multimodal evoked potentials (MEPs) have a great importance in multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnostics. Previously performed studies have shown different results in MEP application concerning the diagnostic sensitivity. We wanted to show our experiences in diagnostic value of MEPs through a retrospective study of multiple sclerosis patients. During the last 2 years (2002, 2003), visual evoked potentials (VEPs), brain stem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs), and somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) have been performed in 111 patients with probable and definitive forms of MS. Our results indicated abnormalities of BAEPs in 64 patients (57.6%), VEPs in 69 patients (62.1%), median nerve SEPs in 70 patients (67.0%), and tibial nerve SEPs in 97 patients (87.3%). These results show the greatest diagnostic value of SEPs, followed by VEPs, and BAEPs with the lowest sensitivity.