Somato-Sensory Evoked Potential tests in the Clinical Neurophysiology Department

The test involves placing some pads on your arms to stimulate the nerves and some small sensors on your head and neck to record the responses

PLEASE READ THIS LEAFLET CAREFULLY

It explains your test and contains important information

A doctor has requested that we perform some special nerve conduction tests to check how well the nerves in your arms and/or legs are working. The time taken to perform the test varies from person to person and may take up to 1½ hours. Please do allow yourself this maximum test time for your appointment.

 

What does the test involve?

The test involves placing some pads on your arms to stimulate the nerves and some small sensors on your head and neck to record the responses. If your legs are also being tested, buttons will be placed on your ankles to stimulate the nerve and some additional sensors will be placed on your back and on your legs to record the responses. You will feel a strong tapping sensation and some muscle twitching.

Preparation – what you need to do

  • Please wear clothes that will allow easy access to your arms, legs and back e.g. loose fitting clothes.
  • Creams and ointments make the skin greasy and difficult to attach the sensors/pads. Please do not apply them on the day of the appointment.
  • If you have a pacemaker/ICD fitted please contact the department on 01522 572379 or 01205 445447 on receipt of this letter so that a special note can be made.
  • Due to the duration of the appointment and lack of child-care facilities in our department, we request you do not bring any other child with you.

After the test

At the end of the test you will be free to leave. The test results need to be analysed. A report will be sent to the consultant who requested the test to be performed.

Your appointment

Please make a special note of the appointment date particularly if the appointment is some weeks away. Please let us know if you are unable to attend. We can reschedule your test for a different date/time and give the present slot to another patient. This will help reduce our waiting lists and operating costs.

Further information

We look forward to seeing you in the department. If you have any questions or worries please feel free to contact us in advance of your visit on 01522 572379 or 01205 445447. If we are unavailable please leave a message and we will get back to you ASAP.

If you arrive late for your appointment it may not be possible to see you on this occasion.

Please see the attached map for location of department.

Clinical Neurophysiology

Telephone: 01522 572379/01205 445447