FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
How do I reschedule my appointment?
How should I prepare for my test?
What are the different types of EP tests?
We hope this information has been helpful. If you have any additional questions please ask them of the professional health care staff responsible for your care.
Evoked
Potential (EP) Tests – What Are They?
Your
doctor may order one or more Evoked Potential (EP) tests for you.
How do I find the EP lab?(I will be getting better info. from JoAnne, EP tech.)
Enter the main entrance at East 210th Street Walk straight down and take the second corridor to the left. Continue to the first corridor on the right. Walk straight on until you see a sin above door on the right that says “Evoked Potential Laboratory.
If you cannot keep your appointment, please call (718)920-2688.
How
should I prepare for my test?
Wash your hair the night before or morning before the test. Do not put cream or gel on hair. Eat a regular meal. Do not drink coffee or beverages that contain caffeine. If you take medications, take them the way you usually do.
This
test checks
the electrical signals that travel from the eyes to the brain.
A few small electrodes will be placed on your head.
One eye will be covered with a small eye patch while the other one
is tested. The electrodes are attached to a machine that records how
your brain reacts to what you see. You
will be asked to look at a TV screen with a black and white checkerboard
display.
-
Please note: Pleaes bring your glasses or wear your contact lenses if you need them to see properly.
-
The test takes about one hour.
Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential (BAEP)
This test checks
the electrical signals that travel from the arms and legs to the grain.
Your doctor may have ordered an arm test, a leg test, or both.
A few small electrodes will be placed on your head, on your back,
and on your arms and/or legs. They
are attached to a machine that records how your brain reacts to what you
feel. Brief electrical
stimuli will be delivered to nerves in your arms and/or legs.
They will make your hand or foot twitch, and you will feel a mild
shock-like sensation. Some
people find this a little uncomfortable, but the electrical stimuli are
harmless.
-
The test takes about one hour.
Somatosensory Evoked Potential (SEP)
This test Checks the electrical signals that
travel from the Arms
and legs to the brain. Your
doctor may Have ordered an arm test, a leg test, or both.
A Few small electrodes will be placed on your head, On your back,
and on your arms and/or legs. They
Are attached to a machine that records how your brain reacts to what you
feel. Brief electrical
stimuli will be delivered to nerves in your arms and/or legs. They will
make your hand or foot twitch, and you will feel a mild shock-like
sensation. Some prople find
this a little uncomfortable, but the electrical stimuli are harmless
-
It takes about one hour to do the arm test and two hours for the leg test.
-
Please note: For a leg test, wear loose clothing that can be rolled up above the knees.