Neurológia pre prax 4/2020

Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring – Evoked potentials and Electromyography

Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) is aimed at reducing risk of poostoperative neurological deficit in particular group of surgical procedures. There is much similar with evoked potentials (EP) examination routinely performed in labs. There are two main differences between EPs in lab and IONM, invasive versus noninvasive stimulation and/or registration and evaluation changes of responses in time during surgery instead of comparison to normative values. Pure EP parameters has to be compared not only with the baseline values but also with clinical picture, actual situation at the operation room and in the operation field. Thorough neurophysiological knowledge and skills is obligatory for appropriate assignment of EP changes and clinical outcome. Aim of this work is general introduction, indications, advantages and limitations of intraoperative neurophysiological techniques, We tried to show optimal IONM usage to gain safety of the surgery and concurrently what practice should be avoided.

Keywords: intraoperative monitoring, intraoperative mapping, evoked potentials, electromyography, warning criteria