Early scalp responses evoked by stimulation of the mental nerve in humans

In 20 subjects, we stimulated the mental nerve through needle electrodes inserted into the homonymous foramen; recording electrodes were placed on the scalp and along the jaw. Within the 1st 5 msec after the stimulus we recorded 4 constant waves, thought to reflect the afferent activity from the mandibular nerve up to the trigeminal nuclei. These waves have similar characteristics and the same high degree of reliability as those obtained after stimulation of the infraorbital and supraorbital nerves; therefore, they should be a useful complement for a complete exploration of trigeminal nerve function.