Multimodality monitoring of the central nervous system using motor-evoked potentials

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review was conducted to examine the role of motor-evoked potential monitoring in spine and central nervous system surgery to determine whether other monitoring modalities such as the wake-up test or somatosensory-evoked potentials can be eliminated. RECENT FINDINGS: The current literature suggests that motor-evoked potential, despite some advantages, still requires that other monitoring modalities such as somatosensory-evoked potentials or electromyography be used to provide optimal monitoring. SUMMARY: The literature supports the use of multimodality monitoring using all of the electrophysiological techniques that can provide intraoperative information about the neural structures at risk during the surgery.