EVOKED-RESPONSES IN ANESTHESIA

The aim of this review is first, to provide the clinical anaesthetist with a sufficient background regarding evoked responses, and second, t o present current research in this sphere, thereby allowing an apprais al to be made of the usefulness of evoked potentials in the clinical s etting. We shall consider: (1) the background, including the origins o f the various evoked response components and the technical and subject related factors which should be considered when using evoked response s; (2) potential clinical applications: (a) as a monitor of awareness and depth of anaesthesia/sedation; and (b) for the assessment of nocic eption and pain.