Development of Multifocal VEP in Children

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose:To investigate dynamics of multifocal VEP in childrens. Methods:Multi-channel multiultifocal VEP of 75 children (vision 6/9 or better and normal ophthalmic examination ) between the ages of 5 and 18 were recorded using Accumap (ObjectiVision). Short runs (15 seconds) were used, which allowed even young children to maintain fixation. Intencity of background electroencephalogram (EEG) for each channel was analysed using Fourier transform. Results:The background EEG was found to be strongly correlated with age and head circumference. Following the scaling of the VEP amplitude based on underlying EEG signal the cortical evoked response was found to have a sigmoid relationship with age. It gradually increases from the age of 5 and reaches plateau (amplitude of an adult person) at about 10. The intersubject variability in amplitude did not deteriorate with younger age. Conclusion:This technique could be useful in performing perimetry in children as young as 5 years old with optic nerve pathology.

Keywords: 393 electrophysiology: clinical • 511 perimetry • 621 visual cortex