Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
What diseases is my doctor looking for with an ERG?
There are a number of conditions, mostly ocular in nature, in which the ERG may provide useful information. The diagnoses most commonly suspected when ordering an ERG are predominantly conditions of the retina, including:
The multifocal ERG focuses on different areas of the retina, looking for localized areas of abnormality. This tests takes longer than a simple ERG.
What is a normal outcome for an ERG?
A normal ERG shows a normal A- and B-wave pattern with appropriate
increases in electrical activity with increased light intensities.
What does an abnormal ERG mean?
An abnormal ERG result suggests abnormal function of the retina due to diseases of the retina or abnormal function of the retina as occurs with other conditions such as arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) involving the eye vessels, giant cell arteritis with eye involvement, metabolic diseases called mucopolysaccharidoses, detachment of the retina, siderosis (excess iron deposits), and vitamin A deficiency.
There are three types of Usher (Usher's) syndrome, the most common condition that affects both vision and hearing. The major symptoms of Usher syndrome include retinitis pigmentosa (night-blindness and a loss of peripheral vision), and hearing loss. Usher syndrome is a genetic condition. There is no cure for Usher syndrome.
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