Evoked potential?? - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

tanda156 · 10-28-2006, 08:38 PM

What is it? I have had lots of tests in the last month and they are not finding anything but elevated WBC in my spinal cord. I have had alot of MS symptoms though. Also a VNG? Seen someone on here had one and showed lesions that the MRI didn't. Thanks tanda156

duttin · 10-29-2006, 11:31 AM

Evoked potentials are a series of diagnostic test used to detect abnormalities not detect by MRI's
Visual-- they paste electrodes attached to your head,conncted to a computer,they sit you in front of a TV screen and have you watch a checker board pattern that moves.This detects abnormal latency's,it can show if optical neuritis is present or retrobublar chismatic lesions not detectable by an MRI.
Samotosensory is a similar test, a little discomforting they run wires attached to elctrodes to the base of the brain and spine.They have the main wire attached to big toe . The wire attached to the big toe is used to keep the big toe moving to follow abnormal patterns up the spine to see if there is a conduction blockage anywhere in the spine.
Baer--this is used to detect brain stem lesions,have not had this one done.

I had the VNG done,I was sent to a ENT specialist because my balance was off plus I have bilateral hearing loss.The VNG was done because the MRI I had done a week prior showed no lesions in the brain stem that could of been the cause of the balance and hearing loss.Usually a VNG is not done when ruling out MS,it was just a precautionary test done by the ENT.This test was done to see if the hearing loss was from damage done inside the ear.It did come back brain stem or left hemisphere lesion.Its not specific in an actual area but it did pin point the area.Plus it did show nystigmus a particular type INO--specific for MS.
I don't see my neuro until NOV.30th I'm sure heal order the visual evoked potential and the brain stem one.
I hope some of this helps.I know you have had a rough time with DRs.A DX to ms is a long rollercoaster.The ruling of other disorders out does help.5 % of the people with MS don't ever have brain lesions.
Continue you search,you know your body.

tanda156 · 11-01-2006, 09:51 PM

Thanks nuffs,

I really don't want MS but I really do want a diagnoses. The doctors tell you nothing and I have found out more researching online. The problem is all of my symptoms point toward ms. The Doctors told me Monday that they ruled out MS. But they have not done any of those tests you were just talking about. They still can't tell me anything either just that things don't add up or make sense. That something is going on... Do you know or does anyone know if it is normal to have different symptoms lasting about a 1 1/2 apiece with a week lapse between them so, total of about a month, and for me to feel fine now? Thanks for your time.