Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM) is a critical service that enhances safety and outcomes in surgeries that pose a risk to the nervous system. By monitoring the neurological function of a patient in real-time, IONM helps surgeons avoid potential damage during operations, leading to better post-operative results. This technology is pivotal in surgeries involving the brain, spine, and nerves.

IONM employs various technologies such as EEG, EMG, and SSEP to monitor different aspects of the nervous system during surgery. Our skilled technicians are present in the operating room, providing immediate feedback to the surgical team. This collaboration ensures any signs of distress are addressed instantly, safeguarding the patient’s neurological health.

An EEG, or electroencephalogram, is a diagnostic test that records the electrical activity of the brain using small, flat metal discs called electrodes attached to the scalp. It’s commonly used to diagnose and monitor disorders related to electrical activity in the brain, such as epilepsy, sleep disorders, and brain tumors. EEGs are also useful in assessing brain activity after a head injury or before heart or liver transplants. Patients undergoing an EEG can expect a non-invasive, painless procedure typically lasting about one hour. You may be asked to perform specific tasks during the test, like breathing deeply or looking at a flashing light, to provoke brain responses.

Electromyography, or EMG, measures the electrical activity of muscles at rest and during contraction. It’s used primarily to diagnose conditions affecting muscles and nerves, including muscular dystrophy, motor neuron diseases, or peripheral neuropathies. An EMG can also help in diagnosing nerve dysfunction or compression, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. During an EMG, patients can expect slight discomfort, as it involves inserting a needle electrode directly into the muscle tissue to record electrical activity. The test duration varies depending on the number of muscles being tested.

Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (SSEP) are tests that measure the electrical activity of the brain in response to stimulation of sensory pathways (nerves). SSEPs are useful in assessing the functional integrity of these pathways in conditions like multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, or during surgeries that pose risks to spinal cord or peripheral nerves. During an SSEP test, patients can expect a non-invasive procedure where small electrodes are placed on the scalp and over other areas of the body. Stimulating pulses are then sent to nerves, typically in the arms or legs, and responses are recorded. The test can last several hours, depending on the complexity of the stimulation.

The Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) test is a diagnostic tool that assesses how the brain processes sound. It’s used primarily to diagnose hearing loss and neurological disorders affecting the auditory pathways, such as acoustic neuromas or multiple sclerosis. During a BAER test, patients are exposed to clicks or other auditory stimuli through headphones, while electrodes measure the brain’s response to these sounds. The procedure is non-invasive, painless, and relatively quick, usually completed within an hour. It is particularly useful in testing hearing in newborns and young children who cannot respond to conventional hearing tests.