Pattern-reversal visual evoked potential. Method of analysis and results in multiple sclerosis.

A detailed method of analysis of the pattern-reversal visual evoked potential is presented. This method takes into account a number of parameters in addition to the latency of the major surface-positive component (P2) and has been tested in a group of 50 normal subjects and in 98 patients with established or suspected multiple sclerosis (MS). It was found that this more detailed form of analysis improved the detection rate of abnormal responses in the MS subjects particularly in those classified in the suspected category. The potential value of this form of analysis, particularly in clinical neurophysiology laboratories where the recording of visual evoked potentials is the only technique employed in the investigation of patients with suspected MS, is discussed.