One effect of ketamine on the SSEP is to?

The correct answer is that ketamine has been observed to increase amplitudes in somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs). This is significant because an increase in amplitude generally indicates enhanced neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission. Ketamine, an NMDA receptor antagonist, predominantly influences the central nervous system by dampening excitatory neurotransmission while also providing dissociative anesthesia.

In the context of SSEPs, the increase in amplitudes could be attributed to ketamine's ability to modify the transmission within the sensory pathways, leading to a more pronounced response in the recorded signals. The clinical implications of this effect are important for monitoring the integrity of neural pathways during surgical procedures, as elevations in amplitude can indicate preserved or heightened activity in the sensory tracts being monitored.

Understanding the pharmacological effects of ketamine is essential for neurophysiological monitoring, as agents that influence the central nervous system can significantly alter the interpretation of SSEP results during surgery.