Before the Surgery:

1. Preoperative Consultation:

    

   • Discussion with Team: You may have a brief discussion with the neuromonitoring team to help you understand how the monitoring will be integrated into your procedure. At this moment, any questions you may have will be answered.

   • Preparation Instructions: Follow any preoperative instructions provided by your surgical team.

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Electrode Placement:

• Pre-Surgery Placement: Electrode placement is usually done in the operating room before the surgery starts. This can involve:

  • Surface Electrodes: Placed on the skin, typically on the scalp or along the spinal cord.

  • Needle Electrodes: In some cases, electrodes might be placed directly into muscles or near the nerve structures.

• Comfort: The placement might cause minor discomfort but should not be painful. If you have any concerns or experience discomfort, communicate this to the team.

 

During the Surgery:

1. Monitoring Process:

    

   • Continuous Monitoring: Throughout the surgery, the neuromonitoring team will continuously record and analyze neural signals. This helps in detecting any potential issues that could affect nerve function.

   • Feedback: If there are significant changes or concerns, the neuromonitoring team will alert the surgical team immediately so that adjustments can be made to protect nerve function.

2. Anesthesia:

    

   • Effects on Monitoring: The anesthesia used will be managed carefully to minimize its impact on neuromonitoring signals. The anesthesia team will work closely with the neuromonitoring team to ensure accurate readings.

3. Communication:

    

   • Alerts and Adjustments: The neuromonitoring team will communicate with the surgical team throughout the procedure. If any abnormal signals are detected, the surgical team will take corrective measures based on this feedback.

 

After the Surgery:

1. Postoperative Care:

    

   • Electrode Removal: After the surgery is completed, the electrodes will be removed. This is usually a quick process and will be completed prior to you leaving the operating room.

   • Monitoring Results: The results from the neuromonitoring will be reviewed and discussed with the surgical team.

2. Recovery:

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   • Follow-Up: If there were any concerns or abnormal findings during the surgery, your healthcare team will discuss these with you and may recommend additional follow-up or tests.

 

General Considerations:

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• Comfort and Safety: The primary goal of IONM is to enhance your safety during the surgery. The team is trained to ensure that the monitoring process is as comfortable as possible and that your nerve functions are protected.

• Questions and Concerns: If you have any questions or concerns about the neuromonitoring process or its impact on your surgery, don’t hesitate to ask your surgical or neuromonitoring team. They are there to ensure you understand and feel comfortable with the procedures involved.

 

By understanding these aspects of IONM, you can be better prepared and feel more at ease about your upcoming surgery.

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