ABSTRACT
The somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) is extensively used in the diagnosis of peripheral nerve disorders, spinal cord pathology, and cerebral function. The SSEP is an ideal tool for the evaluation of particular neural systems and structures in the experimental animal. Although many animals have been used in studies of evoked potentials, neuroanatomical differences make nonhuman primates the best choice for evaluation of neural system effects. A complex waveform, typical of neural tracts, is observed at cauda equina, thoracic spinal cord, medial lemniscus, and in thalamocortical fibers. Most of the data concerning the relationship of the evoked potential and graded ischemia derive from the studies of N. M. Branston et al. The somatosensory evoked potential has been used to experimentally evaluate neural stimulation spinal cord injury, impact acceleration, and epidural anesthetics. The SSEP has been applied to the experimental and clinical evaluation of peripheral nerve, spinal, cerebellar, and cerebral stimulation systems.
