Which factor is least likely to affect the neurogenic response to spinal cord stimulation?

The neurogenic response to spinal cord stimulation is primarily influenced by factors that either facilitate or interfere with the transmission of electrical signals in the nervous system. Anesthetic agents, while they can have varying effects on nerve function depending on their type and concentration, are generally not as significant in directing the neurogenic response during spinal cord stimulation when compared to other factors.

For instance, hardware insertion directly alters the anatomy, potentially leading to changes in stimulus delivery or nerve conduction pathways. Likewise, current shunting from irrigation can significantly affect stimulation efficacy by redirecting or diminishing the current intended for nerve stimulation, thereby impacting the neurogenic response. Neuromuscular blockers can obstruct the transmission of impulses at the neuromuscular junction, which can potentially alter the response to spinal cord stimulation.

Anesthetic agents do induce modulation of neurological function, but their impact on the neurogenic response to spinal cord stimulation is less direct or pronounced when compared to the alterations inflicted by hardware changes, electrical shunting, or the direct blocking of neuromuscular transmission, making them the least likely factor to affect this response.