What type of electrophysiologic changes can IONM detect during surgical procedures?

The capability of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) to detect electrophysiologic changes that develop during recordings is crucial for ensuring patient safety and surgical success. IONM techniques are designed to continuously monitor the function of the nervous system, providing real-time feedback that can indicate the presence of potential neurological compromise due to surgical manipulation.

These changes can manifest as alterations in sensory or motor pathways, such as shifts in the amplitude or latency of evoked potentials, which indicate how the nervous system is responding to surgical stimuli. By identifying these electrophysiologic changes as they occur, the surgical team can make informed decisions, allowing them to take necessary actions to mitigate risks to the nervous system, such as modifying the surgical approach or providing neuroprotective measures.

This aspect of IONM supports proactive rather than reactive responses, enhancing patient outcomes and minimizing the risk of post-operative neurological deficits. Understanding and interpreting these developing changes is a fundamental part of the intraoperative monitoring process.