The term "Somatosensory Evoked Potential" refers to an electrical signal generated in response to sensory stimulus. The word "somatosensory" indicates a sensation produced by the body's movement or position, while "evoked potential" refers to the electrical response generated in the brain. The spelling of "somatosensory" is [soh-muh-toh-sen-suh-ree], while "evoked potential" is pronounced as [ih-vohkt puh-ten-shuhl]. Together, the spelling of this term combines both the somatosensory and evoked potential components, resulting in [soh-muh-toh-sen-suh-ree ih-vohkt puh-ten-shuhl].
Somatosensory Evoked Potential (SEP) refers to a type of neurophysiological test that measures the electrical activity in the brain in response to sensory stimulation of the body, particularly related to touch, pain, and vibration. It is a diagnostic tool used in clinical neurophysiology to assess the integrity of the somatosensory pathways and peripheral nerves.
During an SEP test, small electrical pulses are delivered to a specific point in the body, typically the nerves of the hands or feet. These pulses stimulate the sensory fibers, which then transmit signals to the brain. Electrodes placed on the scalp record the electrical responses generated by the brain in reaction to the stimulation. The recorded signals are then amplified and analyzed to provide detailed information about the conduction of sensory information along the neural pathways.
SEP testing can provide valuable information about the functioning of the sensory pathways, helping to identify potential issues such as nerve damage, nerve compression, or neurological disorders affecting the somatosensory system. It can be particularly useful in diagnosing conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, spinal cord injuries, or multiple sclerosis.
The results of the SEP test are typically presented as waveforms or graphs, showing the timing and amplitude of the electrical responses. By comparing the recorded responses to normal values, healthcare professionals can make accurate assessments of sensory conduction and detect abnormalities in the somatosensory system. SEP testing is a safe and non-invasive procedure that is widely used in clinical practice to aid in the diagnosis and management of various neurological conditions.