Background: Examination of visual evoked potentials (VEP) enables objective, non-invasive diagnostics of vision damage in children and adolescents. It is important to choose proper stimulus for individual patient.
Aim of study: The aim of this research was analysis of VEP variability and disclosure of possible differences recorded in healthy children and adolescents while binocular recording, using four various types of stimulus.
Material and methods: VEPs with pattern reversal (PR 15 and 40 min arc), flashing screen and light emitting diodes (LEDs) in goggles were measured in 100 children and adolescents 1-18 year according to International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology recommendations. Normative data for VEP's parameters and hemispheric differences under these kinds of simulations were reported.
Results: Influence of used stimulation on value of only VEP component latency was confirmed. Application of PR brings longer latencies than with use of flash methods. Changes of VEP parameters connected with maturation of visual pathway in children up to age of 8 were demonstrated. The constant value of responses registered from above left and right cerebral hemispheres was observed which indicates symmetry of recording obtained.
Conclusion: Variability of VEP recording character depends on application of various stimulus parameters and various methods of their presentations. Consequently, every laboratory performing potential examinations should establish parameter pattern of VEP with strictly defined standardized conditions of stimulation and recording.