Event Response Potential (ERP) Analysis

What is an ERP Analysis?

An Event Related Potential (ERP) is a scalp electrical potential occurring after presentation of a sensory stimulus as detected by electroencephalography (EEG). ERPs have the advantages of being objective, often more sensitive than detailed neurological examination. ERPs are measured while the patient is engaged in a task of attention. ERPs are considered reliable readings that give information about how a brain processes visual and auditory data. It also provides information about how the brain activates, inhibits impulses and evaluates the outcome of the processing.

Uses

ERPs are helpful to understand how the brain processes. Event Related Potential tests measure the time it takes for the brain to respond to sensory stimuli as a way of detecting and monitoring problems or irregularities with how the nervous system is functioning. This leads to a better understanding of the person’s daily experience. For instance, irregularities in the monitoring potential indicates the brain does not assess if an action is completed.

What is involved?

This test occurs as part of the qEEG. See Functional EEG analysis for how the data is collected.