Somatosensory Evoked Potential for Post-Arrest Neuroprognostication.

Several guidelines recommend utilizing SSEPs, when available, as part of a multimodal approach to neuroprognostication in patients who remain comatose post-arrest. The evidence suggests somatosensory evoked potentials are an accurate and precise test for predicting a poor neurologic prognosis following cardiac arrest. Bilaterally absent cortical N20 potentials 24-48 hours post return of spontaneous circulation is specific for a poor prognosis post-arrest, while the presence of N20 potentials does not imply a favorable outcome due to poor sensitivity of the test. Research into other components of SSEPs that can be utilized to prognosticate post-arrest patients is ongoing. Individuals ordering, performing, and interpreting these tests must understand their indication, supporting evidence, logistical considerations, limitations, and the impact results may have on post-arrest patients and their families as outlined herein.