Can somatosensory system generate frequency following response?
The aim of this study was to establish whether functional characteristics of the somatosensory system structures in man comply with the frequency following response (FFR) generators. Somatosensory cerebral evoked potentials (SsCEP) were recorded by skin electrodes, and spinal somatosensory evoked potentials (SpEP) both by epidural and skin electrodes. In SpEP and SsCEP to trains of electrical or mechanical stimuli, a decrease of the amplutude to subsequent stimuli was found. SpEP were also attenuated by higher stimulation rates. It is highly improbable, therefore, that somatosensory system can contribute to the FFR-like response recorded in profoundly deaf people.