Quantification and statistical analysis of the transient visual evoked potential to a contrast‐reversing pattern: A frequency‐domain approach

Visual function is often assessed by recording transient visual evoked potentials to contrast reversal of spatial patterns (tVEP‐CR). This technique relies on measurements of amplitudes and peak times of a few points in the time‐domain waveform, which require subjective selection of appropriate time points in a possibly noisy waveform and ignores much of the informational content in the response. Here, we introduce a set of frequency‐domain measures that capture the full content of the response. Magnitude‐squared coherence is used to determine the significance and reliability of magnitude measures; estimates of time delay are based on frequency‐domain phase measures. In Study 1, extensive testing of a small number of observers revealed response details, and in Study 2, testing of a larger sample verified the novel frequency‐domain measures and demonstrated the validity of a short‐duration technique to produce reliable tVEP‐CRs. In addition, Study 2 revealed adaptation effects present under prolonged stimulation conditions. Principal component analyses provided evidence for six distinct frequency mechanisms, and comparisons with time‐domain measures indicated that power in high‐frequency bands may be used as objective measures of excitatory input to visual cortex. A middle‐frequency band captures the major peaks in the tVEP‐CR waveform, and its power is highly correlated with the standard peak‐to‐trough amplitude measure. These novel frequency‐domain indices may serve as more precise and powerful tools to assess visual function in healthy and diseased states.

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