UL / LL SSEP’s
Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (SSEP) is a test that shows how well electrical signals travel from your body to your brain.
The signals show whether the nerves that connect to your spinal cord are able to send and receive sensory information like pain, temperature, and touch.
An SSEP indicates whether your spinal cord or nerves are being pinched.
It is helpful in determining how much the nerve is damaged, and whether there is a bone spur, herniated disc, or other source of pressure on your spinal cord or nerve roots.
An SSEP is performed by placing an electrode over the skin and stimulating the nerve.
The time it takes for an electrical signal to travel through the nerve pathway is then recorded.
The function of the nerve is determined by the speed of the electrical signal.
If the nerve pathway is pinched, the signal travels slower than expected.
The SSEP does not show exactly what is causing the problem, only that a problem exists.
A positive result does tell your doctor where to look further, which is helpful.
