Electromyographic recordings during surgery near motor nerves

Electromyographic recordings during surgery near motor nerves. Shown in A are a large burst response from nerve stimulation or brief nerve irritation (eg, mechanical touch) and three smaller spontaneous muscle activities. When a large number of the smaller responses are seen in multiple muscles, this is consistent with light anesthesia. Shown in B are continuous, high-frequency trains known as neurotonic discharges, suggestive of forces that can cause nerve injury.