Are there any safety concerns regarding TcMEPs?
Thousands of patients have been monitored safely using TcMEPs with very few complications. The primary safety concerns revolve around the stimulation of the patient’s cranium. Stimulation can cause significant movement of the patient’s head and neck muscles. Direct activation of the temporalis muscle and/or activation of the trigeminal nerve will cause a brief clenching of the jaw. Therefore, care will be taken to secure the patient’s tongue with a bite block or gauze pad in order to prevent laceration of the tongue. Patient movement at an inopportune time during the surgery can also create problems for the surgeon. Our neural monitoring technologists will alert you prior to any transcranial stimulation. There is also some concern about the effect of stimulation on the brain. Our neural monitoring technologist will assess the risk factors preoperatively. These include: skull defects (burr holes, incomplete skull formation, deformity), intracranial metal implants (aneurysm clips, electr
