What does evoked potential testing primarily measure?

Evoked potential testing primarily measures the electrical activity in response to sensory stimulation. This type of testing assesses the speed and efficiency of electrical signals traveling along specific pathways in the nervous system. When sensory inputs, such as visual or auditory stimuli, are applied, the corresponding neural responses can be recorded and analyzed. This is particularly valuable in diagnosing conditions like multiple sclerosis, where demyelination can slow down or disrupt these electrical signals. By evaluating how quickly and efficiently signals are transmitted, healthcare professionals can gain insights into the integrity of nerve pathways and identify neurological dysfunction.

The other options do not focus on the electrical responses related to sensory input, which is the core purpose of evoked potential testing. While blood flow and fluid levels might be relevant to neurological conditions, they are not directly measured by this type of testing. Similarly, while MRI can reveal structural abnormalities such as lesions in the brain or spinal cord, it does not assess the functional electrical activity that evoked potentials specifically evaluate.