What is the primary waveform of interest when performing flash VEPs?

The primary waveform of interest when performing flash Visual Evoked Potentials (VEPs) is the P100 wave. This specific waveform occurs approximately 100 milliseconds after the presentation of a visual stimulus (usually a flash of light), and it is the most consistently identified peak in VEP recordings. The P100 is often used in clinical and research settings because it is closely associated with visual processing in the visual cortex, making it a reliable marker for assessing visual pathway integrity.

In clinical practice, the amplitude and latency of the P100 wave are particularly useful for diagnosing various ocular and neurological disorders. Abnormalities in the P100 response can indicate conditions that affect the optic nerves or visual cortex, such as multiple sclerosis or optic neuritis. Hence, the P100 serves as a critical component in evaluating the visual system's functionality, highlighting its significance in flash VEP testing.