Visual evoked potentials (VEP) elicited by checkerboard versus foveal stimulation in multiple sclerosis. A clinical study in 235 patients.

In 235 patients with suspected multiple sclerosis (MS) the diagnostic value of visual evoked potentials (VEP) elicited by checkerboard and central foveal stimulation was compared. No significant difference was found. Both methods are supplementary in diagnostic value. Foveal stimulation may provide an additional diagnostic clue. Normal VEPs do not exclude a prior retrobulbar neuritis. Electronystagmography and examination of CSF are at least essential for the diagnosis of MS as VEPs. The combination of these methods increase the accuracy of diagnosis.