title: Cortical evoked potentials used for placement of a laminotomy lead array: a case report.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We describe a technique for placement of a cervical spinal cord electrode under general anesthesia using the contacts as cortical evoked potential stimulating electrodes.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 37-year-old man required revision of the percutaneous lead of a spinal cord stimulator system placed for right upper extremity pain. A Resume-TL laminotomy lead was inserted at the C5-6 interspace in the prone position under general anesthesia. The contacts were functionally over the right dorsal column by evoked potential recording, despite the apparent midline position of the lead.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Postoperatively, the patient had excellent coverage and pain relief at the right shoulder and extremity. There was no stimulation perceived on the left side of the body.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This technique allows for intraoperative testing under general anesthesia in laminotomy lead placement to localize the optimal position of the lead.
authors: Division of Neurosurgery, The University of Vermont College of Medicine and Fletcher Allen Health Care, Burlington, VT 05401, USA. paul.penar@vtmednet.org
authors: Paul L
authors: PL
authors: Penar
authors: Joseph
authors: J
authors: McSherry
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae; D059350:Chronic Pain / Q000628:therapy*; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D005071:Evoked Potentials / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007796:Laminectomy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D016343:Monitoring, Intraoperative / Q000379:methods*; D012086:Reoperation / Q000379:methods; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000502:physiology*