SOMATOSENSORY-EVOKED POTENTIALS (SEPS) ELICITED BY MAGNETIC NERVE-STIMULATION

Magnetic stimulation of peripheral nerves at distal and proximal sites of the upper and lower extremities and at the midlumbar level were us ed to elicit cortical somatosensory evoked potentials. Evidence is pro vided that peripheral nerve trunks, rather than distal receptor affere nts, are the anatomical structures stimulated by the electromagnetic f ields. Magnetic stimulation of peripheral nerves is considered to be u seful for an evaluation of the integrity of proximal nerves, nerve roo ts and central conduction along sensory pathways. In contrast to elect rical nerve stimulation, magnetic stimulation is painless and can be a pplied to proximal nerves and plexus. By means of proximal nerve stimu lation central sensory conduction can be tested even in patients with peripheral nerve lesions or polyneuropathy.