Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) involves monitoring the nervous system during surgery, using electrodes hooked up to the body. There are a number of methods (or modalities) used during IONM. Some of the more common techniques used include somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs), transcranial motor evoked potentials (TcMEPs), brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs), nerve conductions studies, and electroencephalograms (EEGs).
The modalities used during your particular procedure will depend on what type of procedure you are going to have, the risks involved, and the concerns of the medical team. In general, the methods of IONM used have the same risks, and none are particularly dangerous.
Although there are few to no risks of using IONM during your surgery, the bigger risk of IONM is that it will not be performed correctly, which may lead to serious complications from your surgery. In some cases, equipment may stop functioning during IONM or the monitoring may not be performed correctly.
If you have been harmed during a surgical procedure that was monitored by IONM, you may have a legal cause of action against your medical team. Call me, Conal Doyle, IONM attorney at 310-385-0567. My team can help. Call today to learn more or to schedule a free consultation.