Somatosensory Evoke Potentials (SSEP)

Somatosensory Evoke Potentials (SSEPS) measure the pathways between your peripheral nerves to your spine and brain.

There are a few different types of SSEPs and depending on the region of symptoms and possible cause; your GP or specialist will request accordingly. Upper and Lower limb SSEPs test the nerve path way through the cervical spine or whole spine to the brain. These tests can be requested for things like spinal pathology, demyelination, TOS, meralgia paraesthetica to name a few.

The test is performed by placing recording electrodes on the head, back, neck, shoulder or limbs, depending on the specific SSEP test. The electrodes are placed on after abrading the skin with a special conductive paste. The nerve to be tested is stimulated with a tiny and continues electrical pulse for roughly 5 minutes – depending on patient relaxation and clarity of response.

Preparation:

• • Clean hair (no hair spray, gel, oil etc)
  • Loose clothing if possible
  • No cream on body

The test will take roughly 1 hour per SSEP.