Diagnosis & Imaging
Somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP) / neurophysiology
Somatosensory evoked potentials and related neurophysiology tests measure nerve signal transmission, sometimes used to assess cord involvement in Chiari.
In short: Somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP) / neurophysiology
- They measure how well nerve signals travel through pathways.
- They can assess spinal cord and pathway function.
- They are sometimes used in Chiari evaluation or monitoring.
- They can also be used during surgery for monitoring.
What it is
Somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP) and related neurophysiology tests measure how well nerve signals travel through the sensory (and sometimes motor) pathways. In Chiari malformation, they are sometimes used to assess spinal cord and pathway function, and for monitoring during surgery.
Understanding Somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP) / neurophysiology
SSEP testing involves stimulating a nerve and recording the resulting signal as it travels through the spinal cord and to the brain, assessing whether transmission is normal or impaired. In Chiari, such tests can provide objective information about the function of the pathways that may be affected by a syrinx or compression, complementing the clinical examination. Neurophysiology tests are used selectively in evaluation. They also have an important role during surgery: intraoperative neuromonitoring (which can include SSEP and motor evoked potentials) helps the surgical team monitor the function of the spinal cord and nerves in real time, adding a layer of safety. Understanding SSEP and neurophysiology clarifies tests that objectively assess nerve pathway function in Chiari, including during surgery.
Why it matters
Understanding SSEP and neurophysiology helps families see how nerve signal transmission can be objectively assessed in Chiari — complementing the exam and providing safety monitoring during surgery.
Common questions
What do SSEPs measure?
How well nerve signals travel through the pathways.
How are they used in Chiari?
To assess cord and pathway function, and for surgical monitoring.
Do they have a surgical role?
Yes — as part of intraoperative neuromonitoring.
Bottom line
Somatosensory evoked potentials and neurophysiology tests measure nerve signal transmission, used selectively in Chiari evaluation and for surgical monitoring.
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