Continuous and Simultaneous Monitoring of EEG Spectra and Brainstem Auditory and Somatosensory Evoked Potentials in the Intensive Care Unit and the Operating Room

Abstract

Individual monitoring of EEG and evoked potentials is gradually becoming standard in neurosurgery: compressed power spectra during carotid endarterectomy, brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP) during posterior fossa surgery, and somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) mainly during spinal cord surgery. In this paper, a new technique is described in which EEG, BAEP, and SEP are recorded and evaluated simultaneously and continuously. This allows a better survey of different neuronal structures and systems in the brain and brainstem. First results from intraoperative and intensive care patient monitoring are reported.