What should be done if subcortical responses remain stable while cortical responses decrease?

When subcortical responses remain stable while cortical responses decrease, it is crucial to continue monitoring the subcortical responses. This is because the stability of subcortical responses indicates that the deeper structures of the brain are still functioning appropriately, despite the potential disturbance reflected in the cortical signals. In the context of intraoperative monitoring, a decrease in cortical responses could suggest compromise in cortical integrity or function, but if subcortical signals are unaffected, this may help in determining the overall state of neurophysiological function during surgery.

Continuing to monitor the subcortical responses allows for a clearer understanding of any physiological changes occurring as the surgical procedure progresses. This information can be vital for the surgical team, as it may influence their decisions about the procedure and patient safety. Also, being aware of stable subcortical activity offers reassurance that critical functions related to deeper brain structures are still intact, even when cortical responses are less reliable.

The other choices involve actions that don't directly address the situation. Re-evaluating the surgical procedure might be considered if there are concerning trends, but continuing monitoring provides ongoing data that can inform such a decision. Increasing the frequency of monitoring could imply an oversight in current monitoring practices, which are already established