The invention relates to monitoring subcortical responsiveness of a patient. At least one first measurement signal is acquired from a patient and at least one second measurement signal is derived from the at least one first measurement signal, each second measurement signal being indicative of pain-related activity in the patient. A predetermined stimulus signal is then supplied to the patient and a response caused by the stimulus signal in the at least one second measurement signal is monitored in synchronization with the supplying of the stimulus signal. Based on the monitoring step, an indicator of subcortical responsiveness is determined, the said indicator being indicative of the patients level of antinociception.
