What effect do opioids have on myogenic MEPs?

Opioids are primarily known for their pain-relieving properties and their effects on the central nervous system. When considering the context of myogenic motor evoked potentials (MEPs), opioids generally do not exert a significant influence. Myogenic MEPs are derived from the stimulation of the motor cortex and are directly related to the excitability of motor neurons and muscle responses.

Research indicates that opioids can lead to alterations in muscle tone and influence neurotransmitter release, but the overall effect on myogenic MEPs is minimal. This means that opioid administration during intraoperative monitoring typically does not lead to significant enhancements or suppressions of myogenic MEPs. Therefore, the assertion that opioids have no significant effect on myogenic MEPs aligns with current understanding in neurophysiologic monitoring and reflects the pharmacological profile of opioids in this specific context.