Professional Technical In the Industry Vocabulary Test

intraoperative monitoring

Also written as: IOM — intraoperative monitoring

Real-time neurophysiological assessment during surgery to detect and prevent neural damage.

Full Definition

Intraoperative monitoring (IOM) is the real-time assessment of nervous system function during surgical procedures to detect early signs of neural compromise and guide surgical decision-making. Techniques include somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs), motor evoked potentials (MEPs), brainstem auditory evoked responses (BAERs), and electromyography (EMG). IOM helps surgeons preserve neurological function by providing immediate feedback about the functional integrity of neural pathways during procedures involving the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nerves. Changes in monitored signals can prompt surgical modifications to prevent permanent neurological deficits.

Usage

Usage note: Hyphenate when used as adjective; IOM commonly used as abbreviation in medical records.

In Context

"Intraoperative monitoring detected signal changes prompting immediate surgical modification." — Spine surgery report
"IOM protocols included SSEP and MEP monitoring throughout the tumor resection." — Neurosurgical procedure note

Also known as

IOM neurophysiological monitoring intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring

Contrasted with

postoperative monitoring preoperative assessment

Don't confuse with

intraoperative imaging anesthesia monitoring

interictal ← Back to glossary jitter