Pattern visual evoked potentials show an inferior-superior topographic shift through maturation in childhood.

Pattern visual evoked potentials (PVEPs) are an established clinical test which provide objective assessment of visual pathway function. These are particularly valuable in providing objective information of vision in children. International standards specify the active recording electrode should be placed at the mid-occiput (Oz), but we find that prVEP amplitudes are larger for a lower placed electrode (Iz) in young persons. This was assessed in 1487 patients who had simultaneous PVEP recording at both electrode positions, and we found the majority of PVEPs in children were larger over the Iz electrode. The developmental differences in PVEP distribution transitioned to be equal between Iz and Oz with increasing age as a function of check width, at ∼8 and ∼12 years old for large and small check widths respectively. These differences will improve diagnostic accuracy of paediatric PVEPs. We hypothesise these changes reflect developmental anatomical and neurophysiological changes altering the PVEP dipole. Abstract figure legend Schematic of prVEP response measurement. Responses were recorded from mid-occipital (Oz) and inion (Iz) electrodes simultaneously, referred to a mid-frontal electrode (Fz) and ground centrally (Cz). Peak-time was taken from stimulus onset (0ms) to peak of the P100 component (red dashed line). Amplitude was taken from the N75 trough to P100 peak (red solid line). This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.