Intraoperative auditory evoked potential recordings are more reliable at signal detection from different sensor sites on the forehead compared to bispectral index

Bispectral index (BIS) and auditory evoked potential (AEP) monitoring require the attachment of forehead sensors, posing difficulties when the surgical field involves the forehead. This study analyzed the relationship between BIS values and AEP indices from different sites on the head to establish alternative sensor locations for AEP recording. Thirty patients scheduled for elective surgery under sevoflurane anesthesia were randomly assigned to the forehead, nose or mandible groups (n = 10 patients per group). AEP sensors were placed at the assigned position for each group and BIS sensors were placed on the forehead. BIS value and AEP index were simultaneously recorded from induction until emergence from general anesthesia. Relationships between BIS values and AEP indices were analyzed using a regression method and compared between groups using Pearson’s correlation coefficients. Square regression models better expressed the relationships than linear models in all groups. The z-transformed coefficient in the forehead group was the same as the nose group (p = 0.24) and significantly different in the mandible group (p = 0.0046). These findings suggest that AEPs can be accurately recorded from sensors placed on the nose. Nasal AEP might be useful for monitoring electrical activity in the brain during surgeries involving the forehead.