Object: The repetitive application of high-frequency anodal monopolar stimulation during surgery in or near the motor cortex allows a qualitative and quantitative evaluation of motor evoked potentials (MEPs). Using this method, motor pathways and motor function can be continuously monitored during surgery.
Methods: In this prospective study, 70 patients underwent MEP monitoring during surgery performed in the central region. All procedures were performed after general anesthesia had been induced without the aid of muscle relaxants. The motor pathways were monitored during the entire surgical procedure by repetitive high-frequency anodal monopolar stimulation (frequency 400-500 Hz; train 7-10 pulses; impulse duration 0.2-0.7 msec; and stimulation intensity 16.9 +/- 7.76 mA). The MEPs were continuously evaluated to assess their latency, potential duration, and amplitude. Recorded alterations in these parameters were subsequently correlated with surgical maneuvers and with postoperative neurological deterioration. The monitoring parameters (latency, potential duration, and amplitude) had a broad interindividual range of variation. A correlation between individual intraoperative changes in the potentials and surgical maneuvers or postoperative neurological deterioration was observed in eight cases. A spontaneous shift in latency greater than 15% or a sudden reduction in the amplitude of the potential greater than 80% was considered a warning criterion. In all cases in which there was an irreversible change in latency or a complete loss of potentials were observed, there was postoperative neurological deterioration.
Conclusions: Improved surgical safety can be achieved using intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring procedures. Repetitive stimulation of the motor cortex proved to be a reliable method for monitoring subcortical motor pathways. Changes in MEP latency and MEP amplitude served as warning criteria during surgery and possessed prognostic value.