The cerebral metabolic and vascular effects of intravenous norepinephrine have been shown in an animal model using somatosensory-evoked potentials (SSEPs). A case of intravenous norepinephrine resulting in a decrease in SSEP amplitude (of greater than 50%) despite no significant change in blood pressure, prior to cross-clamping during a carotid endarterectomy is presented. This finding may have implications for the use of norepinephrine in the critical care unit as well as the operating room.
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