Reversible spinal cord trauma: a model for electrical monitoring of spinal cord function

Abstract

✓ Cortical evoked potentials in anesthetized cats were recorded by a noninvasive averaging technique as a means of estimating spinal cord damage. Graded pressure on the spinal cord produced reversible blocking of these potentials. With this type of trauma, block of motor transmission through the cord paralleled the block of sensory transmission, and each seemed to be a sensitive indicator of spinal cord function. The possible use of such monitoring in anesthetized patients undergoing spinal operations is discussed.