What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a review to assess the validity of using changes in the cortical evoked response as a measure of inert gas narcosis in humans.
What They Found
The review defined three criteria for a valid non-behavioral measure of narcosis and assessed two classes of experiments. Experiments in the first class consistently indicated that the evoked response is not a valid measure of narcosis, while the second class assumed its validity without proper assessment. Arguments supporting the evoked response's validity were found to be unsound.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadian patients, particularly those involved in hyperbaric activities like diving, this study suggests that the cortical evoked response is not a reliable indicator of inert gas narcosis. Clinicians should not rely on this specific physiological measure to assess or monitor the effects of inert gases on patients.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
As a review published in 1977, this study's conclusions are based on the scientific understanding and available research up to that time.