A visual evoked potential, or visual evoked response (VEP or VER) is a test that measures the integrity of the optical pathway from your eyes to the occipital lobe of your brain. It is used to determine if there is any damage to this pathway that may be causing certain visual symptoms. The VEP will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. The VEP/VER is performed in the Clinical Neurophysiology department, located in D-wing on the main floor, East of the old main entrance.

How to prepare

1. Please come with clean, dry hair with no hair gel or other hair products. We will NOT have to shave or cut hair for the test.
   **If you are found to have LICE your test will be rescheduled after the lice have been treated.
   
   
2. It is helpful to bring a list of current medications as the technologist will ask what medications you are taking.
   
   
3. If you wear corrective lenses, be sure to wear these when you come for the test. (glasses or contacts).
   
   
4. Continue taking scheduled medications unless told otherwise by your physician. Continue eating and drinking normally before the test.
   
   
5. Please report to admitting 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. Late arrivals may necessitate rebooking for another date. If you are going to be late due to traffic, road conditions, etc. Please call 306-655-1384 to advise of your situation or rebook if necessary.

Procedure

The VEP will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. The technologist will begin by measuring the patients head and marking electrode positions with a non-toxic, washable marker. These positions will then be rubbed with an exfoliating cream. Four electrodes will be applied using a conductive cream and cotton balls.

The technologist will then test the patient’s eye sight. If you wear corrective lenses be sure to bring and wear them to the test. Then the lights will be turned off and the patient will be asked to focus on a dot in the middle of a black and white checkerboard screen. The checkers will move back and forth, and for the best result the patient must remain focused on the dot in the middle. Each eye will be tested a few times. Once the results are stored and printed correctly, the test is complete.

The results of the test will be interpreted by a specialist and the final report is sent to the ordering physician. If you require the report to be sent to additional physicians, please notify the technologist at the time of the test.