Evoked Potentials (Visual and Auditory)

Evoked potentials are neurophysiological investigations that assess how the nervous system responds to specific stimuli. At CardioPrima, visual and auditory evoked potentials are performed—methods that allow early detection of visual or hearing disorders caused by damage to nerves or central neural pathways.

Types of investigations performed

• Visual Evoked Potentials (VEP): measure the nervous system’s response to visual stimuli (patterns or flashing lights); useful for detecting disorders of the optic nerve and visual pathways.
• Auditory Evoked Potentials (AEP): record the nervous system’s response to sound stimuli (clicks or tones); used to evaluate the auditory nerve and central auditory pathways.

When evoked potentials are recommended

• unexplained decrease in visual acuity;
• suspicion of optic neuritis or multiple sclerosis;
• visual disturbances related to lesions of the optic nerve or visual pathways;
• assessment of hearing loss when standard methods are insufficient;
• suspicion of damage to the auditory nerve or central auditory pathways.

How the investigation is performed

• Surface electrodes are placed on the scalp to record brain electrical activity.
• During the visual test, the patient watches standardized images or flashing lights.
• During the auditory test, the patient listens to sounds through special headphones.
• The device records the timing and intensity of the brain’s response to stimuli, and the physician interprets the results.

Benefits for the patient

Evoked potentials are non-invasive, safe, and well tolerated, allowing:

• early detection of neural impairments;
• monitoring the progression of neurological or ophthalmological conditions;
• complementing information obtained from other investigations (imaging, audiometry).