Visual evoked potentials in pseudotumor cerebri
P. S. Sorensen, W. Trojaborg, F. Gjerris and B. Krogsaa
Pattern reversal visual evoked potentials in 13 patients with pseudotumor
cerebri were significantly delayed (99 +/- 7.3 ms [mean +/- SD]) compared
with the findings in 20 normal subjects (94 +/- 2.7 ms), although only four
patients had latencies outside the normal range. There was, however, a
significant correlation between the intracranial pressure and the latency
of visual evoked potentials. After medical treatment of the intracranial
hypertension, visual evoked potential latencies decreased in patients who
recovered and in whom the papilledema disappeared. In one patient with
progressive visual failure, the visual evoked potentials were abnormal
before disturbances of visual fields and visual acuity were evident.
Repeated examinations of visual evoked potentials might be of value in
patients with pseudotumor cerebri to ensure neurosurgical intervention in
due time to prevent visual loss in patients with impending optic nerve
atrophy.
