The Differential Effects of Propofol and Dexmedetomidine on Intraoperative Neuropsychological Testing During Awake Craniotomies

This study provides evidence of possible differential effects of propofol and dexmedetomidine sedation on intraoperative picture naming performance during ACs. While propofol dose alone was not significantly associated with RT, the combination of propofol with dexmedetomidine was associated with longer RTs. These results suggest that anesthesiologists and neuropsychologists should be aware of the possible residual sedative effect of dexmedetomidine when combined with propofol on intraoperative picture naming performance and carefully consider sedation protocols and interpretation of data involving high doses of propofol and dexmedetomidine.