What does a VEP analyze in response to a visual stimulus?

A Visual Evoked Potential (VEP) test assesses the electrical response generated in the brain after a visual stimulus is presented. During this test, electrodes are placed on the scalp to measure changes in electrical activity in the visual cortex that occur in response to visual stimuli, such as patterned light or checkerboards. This technique provides insight into the functional integrity of the visual pathways from the retina through the optic nerve to the occipital cortex.

By analyzing the time it takes for the brain to respond to the visual input, clinicians can gather information about the efficiency of visual processing and detect any disruptions in the visual pathway, which may indicate various neurological conditions. This makes it particularly valuable in diagnosing and monitoring conditions such as optic neuritis, multiple sclerosis, or other disorders that affect the visual pathways.

The other options relate to different aspects of vision and sensory responses but do not specifically focus on the brain's electrical activity in response to visual stimuli, which is the primary purpose of a VEP.