What is the importance of monitoring during IONM?

Monitoring during Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM) serves a critical role in detecting potential neural complications. This process allows for real-time assessment of the integrity of neural structures during surgical procedures, especially those that have a high risk of nerve damage, such as spinal or cranial surgeries. By continuously monitoring neural function, the surgical team can identify any changes that may indicate impending injury to nerves or pathways.

Early detection of these changes can prompt immediate interventions—such as adjusting surgical technique or repositioning equipment—to prevent permanent damage. The focus on neural protection helps to preserve critical functions and promotes better postoperative outcomes, reducing the likelihood of complications such as paralysis or sensory deficits that could arise from surgical trauma.

While increasing surgical team efficiency, ensuring patient comfort, and documenting surgical procedures are important aspects of surgical care, they do not hold the same level of urgency and impact on patient safety as the monitoring of neural functions during surgery. The primary goal of IONM remains the preservation and protection of neural structures, making the detection of potential complications paramount.