Sensory evoked potentials studies measure electrical activity in the brain in response to stimulation of sight, sound, or touch. As the brain reacts, signals travel along the nerves to the brain. There, electrodes detect these signals and display them for your doctor to interpret.
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• Somatosensory Evoked Potential (SSEP)  This test can detect problems with the spinal cord that cause numbness of the arms and legs. For this test, a healthcare professional attaches electrodes to your wrist, back, ankle or other locations. He or she will apply a mild electrical stimulus through the electrodes. Electrodes on your scalp then record the amount of time it takes for the signal to travel along the nerves to the part of your brain that perceives this sensation.  Delays anywhere along this long pathway may correspond with dysfunction.