title: The effect of contrast reduction on pattern-reversal VEPs in suspected multiple sclerosis and optic neuritis.
abstract: A retrospective study was conducted to investigate whether the use of low-contrast stimuli in addition to the standard high-contrast stimuli would increase the sensitivity of the pattern-reversal P100 when testing for multiple sclerosis (MS) and optic neuritis (ON). We found that there was a statistically significant increase in the number of abnormal results when using 25' checks, but not for 50' checks. Examination of patient records showed that VEP abnormalities to low-contrast stimuli only was not prognostic for subsequent development of multiple sclerosis.
authors.affiliation: Regional Medical Physics Department, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK. adrian.davidson@nuth.northy.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Adrian W
authors.initials: AW
authors.lastname: Davidson
authors.forename: Richard F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Scott
authors.forename: Keith W
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Mitchell
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015350:Contrast Sensitivity / Q000502:physiology*; D005074:Evoked Potentials, Visual / Q000502:physiology*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009902:Optic Neuritis / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010775:Photic Stimulation / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity