Age-related dynamics of the parameters of somatosensory evoked potentials in healthy children

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the parameters of somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) in healthy children of different age groups (n = 94). The amplitudes of the main cortical peaks and the central sensory conduction time (CSCT) from n. medianus and n. tibialis in children aged under 12 months, 1–12 years, and 12–17 years were estimated and compared. No significant cortical peaks were recorded from the tibial nerve in five children younger than 1 year (5 out of 23, 22%). Significant differences in CSCT were observed between the children younger than 1 year and two other groups. The amplitudes did not significantly differ between the groups. Thus, SSEPs may be used for the evaluation of somatosensory pathways in children aged one month to 17 years. CSCT differs significantly between children younger than 1 year and other age groups. Age-related reduction in CSCT and elevation of the cortical peak amplitudes may reflect the myelination of somatosensory pathways and the improvement in nervous system integration.