Sodium gamma-hydroxybutyrate. Effects on visual flash-evoked potentials

Na gamma hydroxybutyrate being recognized as a mean of brain protection, the effect of Na gamma hydroxybutyrate on visual evoked potentials is studied in ten neurosurgical patients. Recordings are made in the same intensive care unit and with the same equipment. Latencies of the three principal peaks (III, IV, V) are analysed. No gamma hydroxybutyrate, given intravenously (60 mg . kg-1), significantly increased latencies (p less than 0,001). So, it must take into account of this effect when visual evoked potentials are studied in Na gamma hydroxybutyrate treated-patients. However, visual evoked potentials peaks are only delayed by Na gamma hydroxybutyrate and none of the studied peaks is abolished.