What is a wake-up test and when is it performed?
Before the development of the modern spinal cord monitoring techniques used by the spinal cord monitoring team, a ‘wake-up’ test was routinely performed to determine if procedures involving the spine, such as spinal fusions, had affected spinal cord and nerve function of the individual undergoing the procedure. A wake-up test is done by having the anesthesia team ‘lighten’ the level of anesthesia during the procedure. When the anesthesia is lightened, the individual undergoing the procedure will not be able to feel any pain because they will still be asleep, but individual will be able to subconsciously follow simple commands, such as when told to move their feet. In this way, the wake up test allows the surgical team to directly assess the function of the spinal cord during the procedure. Although wake up tests are rarely used anymore, if a wake up test is performed you will have no memory of it. You will be given instructions regarding the wake up test on the morning of your spinal f
