The pattern evoked responses (VER) in optic neuritis.

Five patients presenting clinically accepted signs of optic neuritis served as subjects for a study on EP's (evoked potentials); the patients were tested during the acute phase, the chronic phase and at a stage when no impairment was clinically observed. At the acute phase of optic neuritis the VER was massively altered; in the chronic phase delayed latencies depending upon the impairment of visual acuity and visual fields could be recorded. At the recovery stage, while visual acuity and visual field showed no deficit, not only delayed latencies but also reduction in the amplitude at all stimulation frequencies were recorded.