ABSTRACT
Objective To assess the value of muhichannel epidural somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) in cortical mapping of primary sensorimotor areas for electrode implantation of motor cortex electrical stimulation.Methods Intraoperative multichannel epidural SEP was recorded in 13 patients with intractable neuropathic pain.SEP mapping was used for determining the location of sensorimotor areas.Results The typical phase reversals of N20 and P20 were recorded and the location of the central sulcus and the primary sensorimotor area were accurately determined in 11 patients.The location of the primary sensorimotor failed to be determined in the other 2 patients because of the atypical SEP.Conclusion The intraoperative muhichannel epidural SEP is reliable in the cortical mapping.