Why should electrodes be sealed with tape when recording intraoperative BAERs?

Sealing electrodes with tape during the recording of intraoperative Brainstem Auditory Evoked Responses (BAERs) is crucial primarily because it helps to prevent drying and protects the electrodes from exposure to fluids. When electrodes are used, they need to maintain good conductivity, and moisture is essential for the electrode gel or paste to function effectively. If the electrodes dry out, the impedance can rise, resulting in poor signal quality and potentially compromising the ability to monitor auditory pathways accurately. Additionally, during surgical procedures, there is often a risk of blood, saline, or other fluids interfering with the electrode function, leading to noise in the recordings or even complete signal loss. Therefore, securely taping the electrodes provides a protective barrier against these issues, ensuring reliable and high-quality data collection throughout the monitoring process.