Studies of human visual pathophysiology with visual evoked potentials

Shozo Tobimatsu, Gastone G. Celesia

    Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

    145 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Visual evoked potentials (VEPs) offer reproducible and quantitative data on the function of the visual pathways and the visual cortex. Pattern reversal VEPs to full-field stimulation are best suited to evaluate anterior visual pathways while hemi-field stimulation is most effective in the assessment of post-chiasmal function. However, visual information is processed simultaneously via multiple parallel channels and each channel constitutes a set of sequential processes. We outline the major parallel pathways of the visual system from the retina to the primary visual cortex and higher visual areas via lateral geniculate nucleus that receive visual input. There is no best method of stimulus selection, rather visual stimuli and VEPs' recording should be tailored to answer specific clinical and/or research questions. Newly developed techniques that can assess the functions of extrastriate as well as striate cortices are discussed. Finally, an algorithm of sequential steps to evaluate the various levels of visual processing is proposed and its clinical use revisited.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)1414-1433
    Number of pages20
    JournalClinical Neurophysiology
    Volume117
    Issue number7
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Jul 2006

    All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

    • Sensory Systems
    • Neurology
    • Clinical Neurology
    • Physiology (medical)

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