intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring
Pronunciation: IN-trah-OP-ur-uh-tiv NOOR-oh-fiz-ee-uh-LOJ-ih-kal MON-ih-tor-ing
Also written as: IONM — intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring
Real-time monitoring of nervous system function during surgical procedures to prevent neurological injury.
Full Definition
Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) involves continuous or intermittent monitoring of nervous system function during surgical procedures to detect and prevent potential neurological injury. In pediatric neurosurgery, IONM techniques include electroencephalography for seizure monitoring, somatosensory and motor evoked potentials for spinal cord and brain function, electromyography for cranial nerve monitoring, and brainstem auditory evoked potentials for hearing preservation. These monitoring modalities provide real-time feedback to surgeons, allowing immediate intervention if neural function is compromised. IONM is particularly valuable in epilepsy surgery, spinal procedures, and brain tumor resections near eloquent cortex.
Usage
Usage note: Specify monitoring modalities used (EEG, EMG, evoked potentials). Essential for high-risk neurosurgical procedures.
In Context
- "IONM revealed motor evoked potential changes during spinal tumor resection, prompting temporary surgical pause." — Operative neurophysiology report
- "Continuous EEG monitoring via IONM detected electrographic seizures during cortical stimulation mapping." — Epilepsy surgery operative note