An event-related brain potential study of receptive speech comprehension using a modified Token Test

There is a long and distinguished history of evaluating sensory functions w ith evoked potentials (EPs). However, the clinical utility of event-related brain potentials (ERPs) in the assessment of cognitive functions remains t o be established. We present evidence for the efficacy of ERPs in the asses sment of speech comprehension. In this normative study, a version of the To ken Test (Boller and Vignolo, 1966, Brain, 89, 815-831, De Renzi and Vignol o, 1962, Brain, 85, 665-675) was modified for computer presentation with si multaneous ERP recordings and then administered to a group of healthy indiv iduals (n = 27). A differential neural response pattern to incorrect and co rrect test items was obtained for the group and. more importantly, this res ult was also observed reliably at the individual subject level. This resear ch complements on-going efforts in our laboratory to develop innovative mea sures for patients that are difficult or impossible to assess due to motori c and/or communicative limitations. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. Ali righ ts reserved.