Neurosciences - Visual Evoked Response (VER)

Introduction

A VER is a recording of the everyday electrical activity produced by your brain in response to a visual stimulus such as a checkerboard pattern on a TV screen.

Why do a VER?

A VER when combined with a history, examination and scan results may help to diagnose a wide range of neurological conditions. Your referring consultant will be able to explain why it is important for you to have this test.

How is a VER performed?

Small electrodes are placed on your head using a sticky paste. You sit on a chair where the test is performed with your eyes open in a darkened room. You will be asked to concentrate for a few minutes on a checkerboard pattern on a TV screen.

After the test the electrodes are removed and most of the paste cleaned from your head. Any residue will wash out when you get home with water and shampoo. It is a good idea to bring a comb or brush with you to the appointment to tidy your hair after the test.

What are the side effects and risks?

There are no side effects to having the VER itself it is painless.

What happens if I decide to have a VER?

You will have the opportunity to ask the doctor or technician questions about the information in this leaflet before you decide whether or not to have a VER.

There will be no need to sign a formal consent form. As soon as you agree to the test we can begin. The entire procedure usually takes 30-45 minutes. Please do not wear any hair gel, oils or applications on the day of the test. Recent (within the week) hair colours or perms may interfere with the test.

If you wear glasses, please bring these with you to your appointment.

Your referring clinician will usually see/contact you with the test results at a later date.

What happens if I decide not to have a VER?

Your referring consultant will need to discuss the likely consequences of this decision. For example, he/she may find it more difficult to diagnose and/or treat your condition.

Is there anything else I should know?

Please arrive in good time for your appointment. If you think you will be late please ring us as soon as possible. It may be necessary to re-book another appointment for you.

Parking can be difficult - please allow for this, it can take up to 40 minutes to park depending upon how busy the hospital is. Please park on the East Car Park on Stott Lane which is closest (5-10 minutes’ walk) to our department. There is a charge for parking which you can pay for by card or coins. Parking information and site map are available online at: www.northerncarealliance.nhs.uk

• This test is safe in pregnancy
• You may eat and drink normally before your test
• This test can’t read your thoughts or emotions
• Please note there are no facilities for childcare while you are having your test and children are not allowed in the clinic rooms
• If you require ambulance transport you should contact your own GP to make the arrangements. Please let us know if you will be coming by ambulance transport
• You may be invited back to have further tests if the consultant in our department or your referring doctor/consultant thinks that a repeat test or a different test may be helpful
• In this case you may receive an appointment for another test before seeing your referring doctor/consultant for the results of your first test. The main reason for this is to save time and inconvenience for you.

Contact details

Telephone: 0161 206 2068

Email: reftoneurophys@nca.nhs.uk

Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences (MCCN), Salford Royal Hospital, Stott Lane, Salford, M6 8HD.

Please telephone the department as soon as possible if you need to change or cancel your appointment. This ensures that waiting lists are kept to a minimum for everybody.