What is Intraoperative Monitoring of the Nerves?
Intraoperative Monitoring (IOM) of the Nerves is a specialized procedure used during surgeries to monitor the functional integrity of the nervous system in real-time. This technique helps surgeons prevent nerve damage by identifying potential issues before they cause permanent injury.
Conditions Treated
- Spine surgeries
- Brain surgeries
- Orthopedic surgeries
- Vascular surgeries
- Peripheral nerve surgeries
How Does the Procedure Work?
During surgery, electrodes are placed on the patient’s skin or muscles to measure nerve activity. The monitoring team uses advanced equipment to continuously evaluate the electrical signals from the nerves, alerting the surgeon if there are any abnormalities.
What to Expect
- Pre-Procedure Preparation: The patient will receive instructions on what to avoid before surgery, such as certain medications.
- Procedure: Electrodes are applied to the skin, muscles, or scalp before surgery begins. A monitoring specialist observes nerve signals throughout the procedure.
- Post-Procedure Care: No recovery is needed specifically for the monitoring process, but the surgical team will review the findings and discuss any concerns.
Benefits
- Reduces the risk of nerve damage during surgery
- Improves surgical outcomes
- Provides real-time feedback to the surgeon
- Enhances patient safety
Risks and Side Effects
IOM is a safe procedure, but minor risks may include:
- Skin irritation from electrodes
- Rare allergic reaction to electrode adhesive
- Discomfort from electrode placement
Is Intraoperative Monitoring of the Nerves Right for You?
If you’re undergoing a surgery that poses a risk to your nervous system, intraoperative monitoring may be recommended to help protect your nerves. Our team will discuss the procedure with you and answer any questions.
Schedule a Consultation
Contact Lone Star – Interventional Pain Management today to schedule your consultation and learn more about how intraoperative monitoring can enhance your surgical safety.