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.

spine
The spinal cord is a soft bundle of nerves that extends from the base of the brain to the lower back. It runs through the spinal canal and is protected by the bones of the spine (vertebrae). Messages between the brain and the nerve roots travel up and down the spinal cord, making it possible for the brain and body to communicate.

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.

 

spinecloseup
The spinal nerves exit the spinal canal on each side of the spine through the intervertebral foramen.  This area is were the tumor has infiltrated into my granddaughter’s spinal cord from T-1 to T-5. Through Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring the surgeons will be able to monitor the feedback during the surgery and get warnings to prevent permanent nerve damage.  With this medical technology,  the IONM strives to safeguard the nerve pathways during surgery.

I am so grateful for this type of medical advancement. For more information on Intranerve, check out their website:

https://www.intranerve.com/

 

 

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Martha DeMeo

I started my blog on Christmas Day 2014 mainly to review products I received. Since then it has evolved into many other categories of lifestyles, family, money saving ideas, low cost, delicious and healthy meals plus other surprise posts. My granddaughter has her own category, Alex's Articles and the latest addition to my blog is my great granddaughter now has her category, Lia's Likings The Baby Blogger! Lia started blogger at 8 months old and she now has a Friday Story Time blog you won't want to miss! I welcome you to join the conversation, ask a question, give a suggestion or leave a comment on any blog post. I hope you enjoy Lia's Likings, she has some great posts that will make you smile!

14 Discussion to this post

  1. Angelece says:

    Such great technology to help surgeons.

  2. The better informed the surgeon (assuming there is a basic talent and skill- along with knowledge), the more likely a positive result.

  3. The Savvy Age says:

    Well explained and very useful info~

    • Martha says:

      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.

  4. Sandy KS says:

    Thankfully we have awesoem technology these days such as this to help your granddaughter.

    • Martha says:

      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.

  5. Andria Perry says:

    I am glad they have this now to save more lives!

    • Martha says:

      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.

    • Martha says:

      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.

  6. Jennifer Bay says:

    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!

    • Martha says:

      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.

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