I am so sorry to hear your back surgery did not go as well as expected. It sounds like you probably had intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM). IONM involves placing electrodes on your scalp, arms, legs, and other areas. The electrodes are connected to a computer, which records the events of the operation.
IONM allows the surgeon to know, in real time, whether there is any interference in the sensory nerves passing through the area of the operation and where the problem is. The IONM technician will monitor impulses that are being sent to the brain from the nerves, and inform the surgeon if there is any interference in the sensory nerves passing through the area of the operation, and where that problem is. The surgeon can also check how well motor nerves are functioning or if they are being injured during the operation. The surgeon does this by stimulating a nerve, and seeing if there is a reaction.
However, in some cases IONM does not go as planned. It can be difficult to later prove that there is a problem. Normally, your attorney must get both your chart and the monitoring data. The data will tell your attorney exactly when there was a problem, as well as what the surgeon was doing when the problem arose.
If you have been harmed during an operation that was monitored using IONM, call me, Conal Doyle. I have experience with cases involving IONM malpractice and can help with your case as well. Call today at 310-385-0567 to learn more or to schedule a free consultation on your case.