Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (SSEP)

Tests how sensory signals travel from a limb, through the spinal cord, to the brain — used to assess the sensory pathway in conditions such as suspected spinal cord compression or multiple sclerosis. £405 all-inclusive · consultant-reported · CQC-regulated.

Referral-based — our team confirms your appointment once your referral is triaged
Request this test — £405 WhatsApp us
~45 minappointment
Well-toleratedbrief tingle only
Consultantreported
£405all-inclusive

Medically reviewed by The Vesey clinical teamLast reviewed 9 September 2026CQC-registered

✓CQC Regulated
★★★★★4.88/5 on Doctify · 700+ verified reviews
✓Consultant-reported
✓Free onsite parking

When an SSEP test is used

This test is a sensible option if you recognise any of these.

Numbness or altered sensation with a suspected spinal or brain cause

Where your clinician wants to check how well sensory signals are travelling along the nerve pathway.

Investigating suspected multiple sclerosis

SSEP can help assess whether the myelin coating of nerve fibres along the sensory pathway is affected.

Assessing the spinal cord

For example before or after spinal surgery, or following a spinal injury.

£405 · ~45 min appointment · consultant-reported

Referral-based · free onsite parking

Request this test — £405

What happens during an SSEP test

A member of the neurophysiology team carries out your recording using portable evoked potential equipment. The whole appointment takes around 45 minutes.

Small electrodes placed

On a limb — commonly the wrist or ankle — and on the scalp or spine over the pathway being tested.

Gentle electrical pulses

A small, well-tolerated electrical stimulus is applied to the nerve. You'll feel a brief tingle, not pain.

Signal timing measured

The team measures how quickly and clearly the signal travels the whole pathway from your limb to your brain.

Preparing for your appointment

Before you come in

No special preparation needed for most patientsKeep warm, as for any nerve studyTell us about any pacemaker or implanted deviceTake your usual medication as normal

Your recording is reviewed and reported by a Consultant Neurophysiologist. Always continue any prescribed medication as normal unless your referring clinician tells you otherwise.

How to get an SSEP test at The Vesey

1. Referral

Your GP or consultant refers you, confirming the clinical question — or request the test and we'll help arrange it.

2. Triage & scheduling

Our Clinical Physiologist team triages the referral, then our administration team contacts you to arrange a convenient appointment.

3. Your evoked potential study

Sergio Cerqueira, Clinical Physiologist, carries out your recording onsite using portable evoked potential equipment.

4. Consultant report

Your recording is reviewed and reported by Dr David Martín-López or Dr Omar Al-Khayatt, Consultant Neurophysiologist, and sent to your referring clinician.

Request this test — £405

Unit 3, The Courtyard, Reddicap Trading Estate, Sutton Coldfield B75 7BU

How it compares to our other evoked potential studies

Each evoked potential study tests a different sensory pathway — here's how they compare.

Comparison Table
InvestigationDurationBest forPrice
Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (SSEP)~45 min appointmentAssessing the sensory pathway and spinal cord£405
Visual Evoked Potentials (VEP)~35 min appointmentAssessing the visual (optic nerve) pathway£405
Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials (BAEP)~45 min appointmentAssessing the hearing (auditory) and brainstem pathway£405

Browse all neurophysiology investigations at The Vesey →

Rated 4.88/5 on Doctify

Real, independently verified feedback from patients of The Vesey Private Hospital.

Read all reviews on Doctify →

Your questions, answered

What is an SSEP test?
A somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) test measures how sensory signals travel from a nerve in a limb, commonly at the wrist or ankle, up through the spinal cord, to the brain. It helps assess the health of that pathway and is reviewed and reported by a Consultant Neurophysiologist.
Do I need a referral for an SSEP test?
Yes. This is a referral-based investigation, triaged by our Clinical Physiologist team before it's scheduled. Your GP or consultant can refer you, or you can request the test below and we'll help arrange the referral.
Is it painful?
No. You'll feel a brief tingle from the small electrical stimulus used, but the test is not painful.
How should I prepare?
No special preparation is needed for most patients. Keep warm, as for any nerve study, and let the team know about any pacemaker or implanted device. Take your usual medication as normal.
What happens during the appointment?
Small electrodes are placed on a limb — commonly the wrist or ankle — and on your scalp or spine over the pathway being tested. A gentle, well-tolerated electrical stimulus is applied to the nerve, and the team measures how quickly and clearly the signal travels the whole pathway from your limb to your brain.
Who reports the result?
Your recording is reviewed and reported by a Consultant Neurophysiologist, and the report is sent to your referring clinician.
Why would my consultant request this rather than an MRI or other scan?
An SSEP test shows how well the sensory pathway is functioning electrically, which is a different kind of information to the structural picture an MRI or other scan provides. Your consultant may use the two together, or choose whichever best answers the clinical question — this test complements imaging rather than replacing it.

Ready to arrange your SSEP test?

Request the test below, or call us and our team will help arrange your referral. The Vesey · Sutton Coldfield.

Request this test — £405 WhatsApp us