Use of a Brain Monitor in a Pediatric Scoliosis Spinal Fusion with Instrumentation to Prevent a Full Wake-Up Test: A Case Report.

Intraoperative use of brain monitoring during anesthesia has increased in recent years due to the development of more advanced monitors. However, it is still not a standard practice, even in spine fusion with instrumentation surgeries. This case report describes the use of a brain monitor with real-time changes in spectral edge frequency (SEF) to assess anesthetic levels and to guide the neurophysiologist to perform timely motor evoked potential (MEP) testing during a wake-up test process in a pediatric patient when MEPs were lost. We should consider using SEF monitoring more regularly when providing anesthesia during pediatric spine surgeries.