Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring
Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring
There have been so many advancements in medical technology over the years and with all the research, I’m sure we will be seeing many more ways that will be so beneficial to many. Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM) provides services for a wide variety of complex spinal, brain, vascular and otolaryngological surgical procedures. This will be used for my granddaughter’s neuro/spinal cord surgery.
What is IONM?
IntraOperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM) uses state-of-the-art monitoring equipment in order to evaluate the multiple functions of the spinal cord and nerves during surgery. The purpose of IONM is to provide the surgeon with immediate feedback and warning before permanent nerve injury has occurred.
What happens during my surgery?
In the operating room, stick-on electrodes are placed on limbs that could possibly be affected by the surgery. Once the patient is asleep, small needle electrodes may be placed in the scalp, over the area of the brain where the impulse from the limb is received. Additional electrodes are placed in the muscle groups that correspond to the area where the surgeons will be working. Baseline recordings are taken before surgery begins and are repeated throughout the procedure. A significant change in the wave alerts the surgeon and neuromonitoring technlogist that the nerve in the area could be vulnerable to damage. The surgeon can then take the appropriate action to prevent permanent neurological deficit.
I am so grateful for this type of medical advancement. For more information on Intranerve, check out their website:
Such great technology to help surgeons.
So thankful for those that research and perfect such great technology. Thanks for stopping by Angelece.
The better informed the surgeon (assuming there is a basic talent and skill- along with knowledge), the more likely a positive result.
That is so true Roy and I’m glad this knowledge is available for my granddaughter’s surgery. Thanks for visiting.
Well explained and very useful info~
As much as she is having a scary surgery, this seems to put our minds a bit more to rest. The technology of today! Thanks for visiting Savvy Age.
Thankfully we have awesoem technology these days such as this to help your granddaughter.
I had never heard of this until the surgeons told Alexandra about it. So glad for all the advanced technology in medicine. Thanks for visiting Sandy.
I am glad they have this now to save more lives!
It’s amazing how technology is today. We watched as they hooked my granddaughter up to the wires on her arms and feet to track the nerve path. Thanks for visiting Andria.
Prayers said!
Thanks so much Priscilla. Haven’t received any updates yet. One more surgery when we hear from the first surgeon. I know she has a great surgical team, but I’ll be worried until I can see her. Thanks for stopping by with your prayers.
So glad they have this, I wonder if they used it when they did my back surgery! I may not have been as nervous! Here’s to praying she has a quick and full recovery! Sending you my love & prayers!
Gosh Jennifer, just another thing that brings us close together! The nurse in charge of hooking her up was quite impressed when I started talking about the Internerve and who invented it. I then told her I wrote a blog about it and that really blew her mind! So thankful for all this medical technology. Thanks for stopping by and also for the prayers.