Evoked response testing measures the conduction in the central nervous system by averaging electrical responses in the brain to a specific stimulus. These tests are non-invasive, have minimal discomfort and provide useful information in planning for your care. Although there are more evoked response testing, we reduced and write below the three,  main tests commonly given to patients and ones which we do here at Northern Neurology Specialties: visual, auditory and somatosensory.

Visual Evoked Response (VER) Test

Patients sit in front of a screen and watch a reversing black and white checkerboard pattern. The patient must keep his/her gaze fixed on the center of the screen. This test takes about 30-45  minutes from beginning to completion. If a patient wears corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses), they must bring them to the test.

Auditory Evoked Response (BAER)

Patients wear headphones and listen to various, rapid  clicking sound, one ear at a time. A blocking noise or “static” is introduced in the ear not being tested. This examination usually takes about 30-45 minutes but may be longer with patients who have hearing problems.

Somatosensory Evoked Response (SER) or (SSEP)

Patients are introduced to a mild, electric pulse aimed at stimulating either one of the nerves at their wrists, ankle, or behind the knee  A common but temporary affect may be pulsing or twitching at the stimulated limb. This test can be long, often taking in excess of one hour to complete.

Northern Neurology Specialties, Dr. Jill Bressler – Evoked Potential Testing

Dr. Jill Bressler, our technicians and clinical staff at Northern Neurology Specialties are well acquainted with these specialized diagnostic tests and have been administering  them to patients having a history including but not limited to traumas, degenerative neurological diseases, stroke and more. For our referring physicians, reports are usually sent via facsimile at the end of the day.

Whether your specialists physician refers you here or you are one of our existing patients, rest assured that our experienced technicians and staff will make your visit comfortable throughout your test. For more information on evoked potential diagnostic testing, please call us at 516-364-4484.