The effects of enflurane and isoflurane on somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) after median nerve stimulation were studied in 25 healthy adult patients. Cervical and cortical SEP were recorded simultaneously. pCO2 and tympanic membrane temperature were kept constant. Following induction of anaesthesia with thiopentone, fentanyl and succinylcholine SEP were recorded during normoventilation with 100% oxygen and after inhalation of 66.6% nitrous oxide. Isoflurane at inspired concentrations of 0.8, 1.65, 2.5, 3.3% was given to 10 patients at 15 minutes intervals and was reduced after nitrous oxide had been replaced by oxygen. 15 patients received equipotent doses of enflurane (1.1, 2.2, 3.25, 4.3%.) SEP were recorded at the end of each interval. Isoflurane and enflurane caused dose dependent increases in latency of the cortical SEP. This effect was more pronounced with enflurane. Isoflurane reduced amplitude of the primary cortical response more than enflurane, when ventilation was performed with 66.6% nitrous oxide in oxygen. High doses of enflurane in oxygen augmented cortical SEP amplitudes associated with a marked increase in latency. Isoflurance and enflurance anaesthesia slightly altered cervical SEP. Middle latency components of the cortical SEP were progressively diminished with increasing isoflurane or enflurane concentrations. The effect of both agents in terms of delayed latencies and reduced amplitudes should be considered when recordings are performed intraoperatively.