Intraoperative wake-up test in a deaf-mute adolescent undergoing scoliosis surgery

We present our experience in intraoperative wake-up test in a deaf-mute feminine teenager who underwent spine surgery for correction of lordoscoliosis. Inadequate comprehension of the preoperative instructions, together with higher threshold of arousal in deaf-mutism may possibly contribute to lingering of the test. The report implicated direct, painful stimulation of the tested limbs, rather than indirect cues, such as flap on the dorsum of hands would be required for performance of wake-up test in the deaf-mute patients.