"Cross-talk" in recording evoked potentials.

When two potentials having large amplitude differences are simultaneously recorded, the large amplitude potential contaminates the small amplitude response. The small, early potentials generated by this contamination resemble far-field potentials. Although scalp-recorded SEP was contaminated by waves similar to the peripheral potential, peak latencies and wave form were not identical. Experiments simulating the recording situation verified the presence of "cross-talk." Capacitive coupling would shift peaks and alter the wave forms. Other possible mechanisms for the cross-talk and methods of minimizing it are offered. One should be cautious interpreting the results when potentials of large amplitude differences are simultaneously recorded.