During the procedure of SSEPs, which method is effective in reducing EMG artifact?

Utilizing neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) during the procedure of somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) is an effective approach to reducing electromyographic (EMG) artifact. The primary purpose of these agents is to temporarily paralyze skeletal muscles, which significantly decreases muscle movement and the resultant EMG activity that can interfere with the clean acquisition of SSEP data.

When performing SSEPs, it is crucial to have a clear signal that accurately reflects the central nervous system's sensory processing; however, unintended muscle contractions may create noise in the recordings. By using NMBAs, the patient's muscle activity is effectively reduced, thereby enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio and allowing for more reliable and interpretable neurophysiological monitoring.

Other methods, such as changing stimulation sites, increasing the duration of the stimulus, or increasing stimulus intensity, do not directly address the EMG artifact issue effectively. While adjustments to stimulation parameters can alter the magnitude and latency of the evoked potentials, they do not inherently eliminate or minimize the muscle artifact. Thus, the application of neuromuscular blocking agents remains the most targeted method for artifact reduction in this context.