Why are pre-operative SSEP baseline values essential in intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM)?

Pre-operative somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) baseline values are essential in intraoperative neuromonitoring because they serve as reference points to evaluate intraoperative evoked potentials. These baseline values reflect the patient's normal neurological function and allow the monitoring team to identify any deviations that may occur during the surgical procedure. By comparing intraoperative responses to these established baselines, clinicians can detect and assess any potential neural compromise or damage that might result from surgical manipulation.

While pre-operative SSEP values might also offer insights into other aspects of patient care and management, their primary and most critical function in IONM is to provide a set standard against which intraoperative performance can be measured. This is crucial for making timely interventions that could prevent permanent neurological injury during surgery.