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Motor Evoked Potentials (MEP) Flashcards

6 cards from real CNIM practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 6 Motor Evoked Potentials (MEP) flashcards as text

  1. What does a preserved D-wave with loss of muscle MEPs during spinal cord surgery suggest?

    Answer: Temporary or partial motor dysfunction with likely recovery

    A preserved D-wave with MEP loss indicates the corticospinal axons are intact but spinal cord interneurons or anterior horn cells are temporarily affected, predicting functional recovery.

  2. How does patient body temperature affect tcMEP amplitudes intraoperatively?

    Answer: Hypothermia suppresses MEP amplitudes and increases latency

    Hypothermia slows axonal conduction velocity and synaptic transmission, resulting in decreased tcMEP amplitudes and prolonged latencies.

  3. When is it appropriate to use epidural D-wave recording in addition to muscle MEPs?

    Answer: For intramedullary spinal cord tumor resection where high sensitivity is critical

    Epidural D-wave recording is particularly valuable during intramedullary spinal cord tumor resection because it provides a highly sensitive, stable measure of corticospinal tract integrity independent of anesthesia.

  4. The bite block placed during transcranial MEP monitoring is used to prevent:

    Answer: Tongue laceration from jaw muscle MEP contractions

    Transcranial electrical stimulation activates jaw muscles, causing biting movements that can lacerate the tongue or lips; a bite block prevents this injury.

  5. Which inhalational anesthetic has the LEAST suppressive effect on tcMEP compared to other volatile agents?

    Answer: All volatile agents equally suppress MEPs

    All volatile halogenated agents have comparable dose-dependent suppressive effects on tcMEP amplitudes; none is significantly superior for MEP preservation, which is why TIVA is preferred.

  6. tcMEP monitoring is most critical for predicting postoperative motor deficits in which clinical scenario?

    Answer: Intramedullary spinal cord tumor resection

    Intramedullary spinal cord tumor resection carries the highest risk of direct motor tract injury, making tcMEP monitoring most critical for real-time feedback to preserve motor function.

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