[Contact heat evoked potentials for the evaluation of pain pathways].

Pain evoked potentials offer a possibility for the evaluation of nociceptive pathways. Contact heat evoked potentials (CHEPS) represent a novel technique allowing to investigate peripheral pain pathways represented by small-diameter nerve fibers (A-delta and C fibers) and to study the spinothalamic tract. In contrast to more time-consuming methods such as quantitative sensory testing, CHEPS enables an objective investigation of pain pathways. This article reviews and discusses the technique, possible indications, and pitfalls in the context of clinical cases.