EVOKED-POTENTIAL TESTING

Uroneurophysiological tests involving stimulation and resulting in an ''evoked potential'' are described. the ample experience with testing the somatic (pudendal) somatosensory system with somatosensory evoked potentials and the somatic (lower sacral) reflex arc with sacral refle x recording is reviewed. The controversies regarding recording of moto r evoked potentials and testing of sacral visceral afferents, and info rmation on some not yet widely used tests (such as sympathetic skin re sponses) are included. The contribution of uroneurophysiological metho ds to new insights related to neurologic aspects of sacral functions ( urinary, bowel, and sexual) is stressed, and their critical and restra ined use in routine clinical work is advised.