What contraindications exist for TCeMEP?

The presence of a pacemaker is a significant contraindication for transcranial electrical motor evoked potentials (TCeMEP). This is due to the potential for electrical interference that can occur when TCeMEP is performed on a patient with a pacemaker. The TCeMEP technique involves the application of electrical currents to stimulate the motor cortex, which could inadvertently trigger the pacemaker or disrupt its function, leading to potentially serious complications for the patient.

While other factors, such as a history of seizures, prior spinal fractures, or skull breaches from shunts, may introduce considerations for the safety and effectiveness of monitoring techniques, they do not present the same level of direct risk as a pacemaker does in the context of TCeMEP. Therefore, the presence of a pacemaker necessitates careful evaluation and generally contraindicates the use of TCeMEP to avoid compromising the patient's cardiac security.