In the context of SSEP, what constitutes a significant increase in latency?

In the context of SSEP (Somatosensory Evoked Potentials), a significant increase in latency is generally understood as a change that could indicate a clinical issue or neurological impairment. A 10% increase in latency is often considered the threshold for clinical significance in many guidelines and studies. This percentage reflects a notable deviation from baseline measurements, suggesting potential issues in the neural pathways being evaluated.

The rationale behind utilizing a 10% increase lies in its clinical relevance. Small changes in latency (like 5%) may be within the normal range of variability and not indicative of any pathological condition. A 20% increase, while also significant, may represent a more extreme case that could lead clinicians to various diagnoses, and in many clinical settings, the focus is primarily on the 10% increase as a marker for further investigation.

While it appears counterintuitive, stating that "no increase is acceptable" doesn't recognize the reality of physiological variations in SSEP and the clinical context in which these measurements are taken. Thus, understanding the 10% increase as significant helps in the early identification of neurological concerns while allowing for clinically relevant thresholds.