What is Evoked Potential?

• Measures the brain's electrical response to stimulation of the sensory organs or peripheral nerves.
• Evaluates visual, somatosensory and auditory nerve pathways.
• Involves electronic impulses detected and recorded by electrodes attached to the scalp and skin over various peripheral sensory nerves.
• Can be used during therapeutic coma and in patients with traumatic brain injury. 

There are three main types of evoked potential tests:

1. Visual evoked potentials (VEP): You sit in front of a screen and watch an alternating checkerboard pattern.
2. Brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP): You hear a series of clicks in each ear.
3. Sensory evoked potentials (SEP): You get short electrical pulses on one of your arms or legs.

Before the procedure

• Please bring your Emirates ID and insurance card.
• Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
• First, you will meet with a Patient Access Representative (PAR) at the registration desk, who will review your medical insurance card, Emirates ID and perform your registration check in.
• You will then see a technologist who will explain the procedure in detail, including its duration, and answer any questions that you may have.

The day of the procedure

• Eat your regular diet before arriving to your appointment.
• Make sure to sleep six to eight hours the night before your scheduled appointment.
• Bring a list of your medications with you to your appointment.
• Please refrain from putting any hair care products (hair gel, hair spray, etc.) and make-up prior to the procedure, as these will interfere with the recordings.
• Only one family member is allowed into the procedure room while test is being performed.
• No mobile phone usage is allowed during the test.

please notify the call center if you will be late for your appointment. The grace period is 15 minutes only. Note:

During the procedure

• The procedure will take one to two hours from check-in to completion.
• You will be positioned in a reclining or straight-backed chair, or on a bed.
• You will be asked to relax and remain still.
• You will feel mild to medium discomfort from electrical currents used to stimulate each nerve during the procedure.
• Electrodes will be applied to your head and body.

Discharge Instructions

• You will meet with a Patient Access Representative (PAR) at the registration desk who will review your follow-up appointment schedule.
• Results will be released by the HIMS (Hospital Information Management System), located on Level P1, after five working days. During your follow-up appointment, your physician will discuss your test results with you.

Expected side effects following Evoked Potential

There are no side effects associated with this procedure. 

If you have any questions, please call Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi at 800 8 CCAD (2223), extension 65819, Sunday through Thursday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.