evoked potential monitoring

Specialties CRNA

Published

Do/can CRNAs do evoked potential monitoring? I was told they do EEG monitoring (at least MDAs do) but that SSEP, VEP, and AEP makes it to difficult because it detracts from the ability to monitor anesthesia. I know in the past evoked potential research was done by MDAs but now is done more by neuro. If I choose to pursue CRNA, I really would be interested in doing evoked potential research during spinal and neurosurg cases. Any thoughts about the feasibility of this?

Specializes in CRNA, Finally retired.
Do/can CRNAs do evoked potential monitoring? I was told they do EEG monitoring (at least MDAs do) but that SSEP, VEP, and AEP makes it to difficult because it detracts from the ability to monitor anesthesia. I know in the past evoked potential research was done by MDAs but now is done more by neuro. If I choose to pursue CRNA, I really would be interested in doing evoked potential research during spinal and neurosurg cases. Any thoughts about the feasibility of this?[/QU

I've never seen evoked potential monitoring done by anesthesia. Usually a non MD neurophysiologist does it. If you were my student I'd have to have justification from you for doing non-anesthesia research. For what purpose? What would the topic add to anesthesia knowledge. Who would take care of the patient while you're monitoring? EEG's have been dummied down for anesthesia so that they basically only have to monitor a number. I'm not sure they're clinically relevant - for research only.

I know of neuroanesthesiologists who do SSEP and MEP monitoring---however, that is their ONLY role during the case---there is ANOTHER CRNA or anesthesiologist up at the head of the table, giving anesthesia. The role of the neuromonitoring person MUST remain separate and distinct, with no other responsibilities placed on him or her.

One of the best neuromonitoring people in the country with whom I have had the pleasure of working is a neurophysiologist. He has trained many techs from the EEG lab to do neuromonitoring. I have never known a CRNA who pursued this interest, but that's not to say they aren't our there!

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