The Clinical Application of Visual Evoked Potentials in Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis

J Korean Neurol Assoc > Volume 6(2); 1988 > Article

Journal of the Korean Neurological Association 1988;6(2): 158-168.

다발성 경화증 진단에 있어서 시각 유발 전위 검사의 적용

하충건, 나덕렬,홍승봉,이광우,명호진

서울대학교 신경과.

The Clinical Application of Visual Evoked Potentials in Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis

Choong-Kun Ha,M.D.,Duk-Ryul Na,M.D.,Seung Bong Hong,M.D.,Kwang-Woo Lee,M.D.,Ho-Jin Myung,M.D.

Department of neurology, College of medicine, Seoul National University

Abstract

Visual evoked potentials(VEPs) were recorded in 30 patients with multiple sclerosis who had been diagnosed and classified as definite(10), probable(15) and possible(5) MS by clinical criteria. This study was performed to detect clinically unsuspected lesions in optic nerves, to confirm the diagnosis, and then to reclassify the patient group. The incidence of abnormal VEPs in groups classified by clinical criteria as definite, probable and possible MS was 90%(9/10), 60%(9/15) and 20%(1/5) respectively. The overall incidence was 63.3%(19/30). Of the 16 patients who had not been suspected the lesions in optic nerves, six(37%) had abnormalities in VEPs. In consideration of the clinical and VEPs findings, the patient group was reclassified into 15(50%), 11(36.6%) and 4(13.7%) respectively. Six subjects shifted toward the next superior classification degree (probable-definite;5, possible-probable;1). In conclusion, the authors predict that in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis VEPs would be very useful, noninvasive, simple and reproducible procedures not only in confirming clinically suspected lesion but also in detecting clinically unsuspected lesion of optic nerve.