Somatosensory evoked potentials in the assessment of peripheral neuropathies: Commented results of a survey among French-speaking practitioners and recommendations for practice.

BACKGROUND: Somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) are increasingly performed for the assessment of peripheral neuropathies, but no practical guidelines have yet been established in this specific application.

STUDY AIM: To determine the relevant indication criteria and optimal technical parameters for SSEP recording in peripheral neuropathy investigation.

METHODS: A survey was conducted among the French-speaking practitioners with experience of SSEP recording in the context of peripheral neuropathies. The results of the survey were analyzed and discussed to provide recommendations for practice.

RESULTS: SSEPs appear to be a second-line test when electroneuromyographic investigation is not sufficiently conclusive, providing complementary and valuable information on central and proximal peripheral conduction in the somatosensory pathways.

CONCLUSIONS: Guidelines for a standardized recording protocol, including the various parameters to be measured, are proposed.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: We hope that these proposals will help to recognize the value of this technique in peripheral neuropathy assessment in clinical practice.