Patient FAQS

Intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring (IONM) protects patients by continuously monitoring the central nervous system (the brain, spinal cord, and nerves) when it is at risk during surgery. Depending on the procedure, a variety of tests can be used to measure the nervous system function. A trained Head and Spine Institute clinician, under the supervision of a qualified professional, constantly monitors the information from the tests. If there are any changes or potential problems, our clinician can immediately alert the surgeon and nurses. Click here to read more about IONM.

The purpose of intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring (IONM) is to protect your nervous system. The real-time information of IONM can often prevent neurological injury (damage to the brain, spinal cord, or nerves). When neurological injury does occur, the immediate feedback from IONM allows the surgeon, anesthesiologist and nurses to quickly respond to minimize long-term post-operative damage. IONM provides an additional layer of safety for both you and your surgeon.

Typically, intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring (IONM) works through measuring and creating electrical impulses and determining their effect on the nervous system. To gather this information, electrodes are attached to your wrist, ankles, scalp, and sometimes to specific muscle groups, depending on the type of surgery. The electrodes record the response of your nervous system to electrical stimulus and can indicate changes in the functioning of your nervous system. If there are significant changes, the clinician will immediately alert the surgeon and, if necessary, appropriate intervention is initiated.

On the day of your surgery, a Head and Spine Institute clinician will meet with you before you go into the operating room. We will ask about your medical history and perform a brief exam of your neurological function, testing your reflexes, sensation, and motor strength. We will also discuss the surgical procedure and the monitoring, and we will prepare you for the operating room. Once you are in the operating room and sedated, we will complete our final setup and the IONM process begins.

IONM is provided at the request of your surgeon as an additional safety measure.

IONM provides critical information about your neurological system to your surgeon during surgery to protect you and to increase the chance of a positive surgical outcome.

The risks of IONM are minimal. Consult with your surgeon to discuss the risks of your surgery.

Your insurance carrier may pay for a portion of the costs associated with IONM. This amount depends on your specific carrier and your insurance plan. Please check with your insurance carrier to find out about coverage for IONM.