VEP
This test records the response of the brain’s visual centre to a checkerboard picture or flashing light.
This test checks the visual pathway and ensures that the brain is receiving information about what your child's eyes see.
It is important that your child is awake and alert for this test. Please make sure they have a good sleep the night before and a nap before the test if this is part of their normal routine. Do not sleep deprive them.
If your child is also having an EEG test during this appointment, please do not follow the sleep deprivation instructions.
All children must have clean, dry hair (no gel, hairspray or oil).
Children who wear glasses or contact lenses should wear these during the test.
The test will take 60-90 minutes.
There are two different types of VEPs: Flash and Pattern. Each is set up differently, the technologist will let you know which test your child has been referred for.
- There are 26 electrodes that will be attached to your child's head. It is important that the child can lay still for this part of the test.
- Your child will need to watch a strobe light that flashes a white light about once every second.
- A computer registers the electrical signals from the brain during this time.
- In some instances your child will be asked to place a patch over one eye to record the brain's response from each eye separately.
- There are 6 electrodes that will be attached to your child's head.
- Your child will sit in a chair in front of a screen that has a black and white checkerboard pattern.
- A patch will be placed over one eye and the brain's response from each eye will be recorded separately.
Once the VEP test is finished, the electrodes will be removed with warm water. You can wash your child's hair with shampoo at home if there is still some paste left.
Your results will be given to you by the doctor who ordered the test for you.
