Adaptation dynamics in pattern-reversal visual evoked potentials

Abstract

Recording a VEP usually involves prolonged repetitions of the stimulus, but the influence of adaptation is rarely discussed in this context. Two experiments were performed. In Experiment 1 the time course of the response amplitude during steady-state stimulation was assessed. During the first seconds of stimulation we found an increase in amplitude, followed by a continuous exponential decline. This confirmed earlier results. There is considerable inter-subject variability concerning all aspects of the time course in our 19 subjects. Experiment 2 used two types of transient pattern reversal stimuli: one regular stimulus as used in standard clinical applications and one with a pause in between each reversal. N1 and P1 amplitudes did not show significant differential effects. N2 amplitude was reduced by 73% in the standard condition whereas P1 peak time increased slightly but significantly (3.2 ms).