Pattern evoked potential diagnosis of multiple sclerosis: a comparison of various contrast stimuli.

1. The transient and steady-state reversals seem to give equivalent information. 2. Random presentation of pattern reversals evokes the same response as conventional repetitive stimulation. Since random stimulation abolishes rhythmic activity, it is the most efficient stimulus form to generate a reversal response. 3. The pattern onset-offset stimulus is preferred for clinical application, since this stimulus is more efficient in evoking a contrast-evoked potential. 4. The absence of an evoked potential should never be used as a positive diagnostic criterion in MS.