Prediction of 'awakening' and outcome in prolonged acute coma from severe traumatic brain injury: evidence for validity of short latency SEPs.

Objective: To evaluate the prognostic value of somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) in severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) considering both 'awakening' and disability.

Methods: SEPs were recorded in 60 severe TBI with duration of acute coma>7 days. N20-P25 amplitudes, their side-to-side asymmetry and CCT were measured.