Effects of aging and sex on middle-latency somatosensory evoked potentials: normative data.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the exact relationship of middle-latency somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) components (in particular the third negative component N60) to age and sex in a normal population. Middle-latency SEPs are believed to show a considerable inter-individual variability and there is little published information on normative data of these components.


METHODS
Eighty-three healthy subjects aged 13-80 years were investigated using a standard SEP procedure.


RESULTS
Both latency and amplitude of N60 increased substantially with age. Least square polynomial regression analysis showed that a quadratic curve best described its relationship (r2=0.67 for the latency, r2=0.18 for the amplitude). Data did not differ significantly with reference to sex or side of stimulation.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of polynomial regression analysis for the determination of the normal range of N60 latencies and amplitudes has to be highly recommended. It might improve the accuracy with which abnormal results are detected in studies investigating the value of middle-latency SEPs in various diseases.
Zumsteg
Dominik
D
Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse 26, Switzerland. dominik.zumsteg@nos.usz.ch
Wieser
Heinz Gregor
HG
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D005073:Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016018:Least-Squares Analysis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology; D012016:Reference Values; D012737:Sex Factors; D013003:Somatosensory Cortex / Q000502:physiology*