[Short latency somatosensory evoked potentials following the peripheral nerve stimulation of lower extremities in children].

We have evaluated the short latency somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) following peroneal and posterior tibial nerve stimulation in 27 normal children and adults, and then applied SSEPs examination following peroneal nerve stimulation to 6 children with neurological deficits. Features of the evoked potentials following peroneal nerve stimulation in normal children were almost similar to those in adults, but we found several points characteristic in children; a higher incidence of evoked potentials and a clearer appearance of "standing potential" at the lower thoracic vertebral level than in adults. Spinal afferent conduction velocity reached at a maximum at 3-4 years of age. The SSEPs following peripheral nerve stimulation in lower extremities are useful in pediatric neurology to determine the level of the spinal lesion, to reveal the distribution and pathophysiology of the spinal dysfunction, and to analyze the process of the disease progression.