In SSEPs, what is a common source of interference that practitioners must monitor?

In the context of somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs), monitoring for electromyographic (EMG) activity is essential due to its potential to interfere with the clarity of the SSEP signals. EMG activity can generate electrical signals that can mask or distort the genuine responses from the SSEPs, making interpretation challenging. During surgeries, where SSEPs are utilized to assess sensory pathways' integrity, muscle activity (often due to involuntary movements or surgical manipulation) can introduce significant noise into the recordings.

Effective monitoring of EMG activity allows practitioners to differentiate between true evoked potentials and extraneous muscle signals, ensuring more accurate assessments of neural function during surgery. By being aware of and managing this interference, practitioners can improve the reliability of SSEP data, thus enhancing patient safety and surgical outcomes. Identifying and addressing any significant levels of EMG activity is critical in maintaining the integrity of the neurophysiologic monitoring process.