Somatosensory Evoked Potential (SSEP)

The nerve conduction studies are useful to study the integrity and function of the nerves, especially in the peripheral or distal portion of the nerve. They have limited utility to study the proximal and/or central nerve pathology. The somatosensory evoked potential study offers a non-invasive way of testing these proximal nerve pathways. In this communication, we will review the principles, methods, measurements and interpretation of SEP studies. While the method can be used for any nerve that is easy to stimulate, we will present the methodology using median nerve (for upper limb) and tibial nerve (lower limb) studies.