Intraoperative Neuromonitoring in Peripheral Nerve Stimulation

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neurosurgery
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) involves applying electrical stimulation to nerves for therapeutic purposes.
• Initially used for pain management, PNS now addresses conditions like epilepsy, depression, sleep apnea, and respiratory insufficiency.
• PNS modalities include conventional, percutaneous, and peripheral nerve field stimulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the utilization of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) during peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) procedures.
• To highlight the importance of IONM in enhancing the safety and efficacy of PNS interventions.
• To discuss the role of IONM in preventing iatrogenic injuries and guiding surgical targeting.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on IONM application in PNS.
• Discussion of electrophysiological methods for real-time nerve assessment during surgery.
• Analysis of IONM's contribution to surgical decision-making and nerve protection.

Main Results:

• IONM provides critical real-time information during PNS procedures, complementing preoperative assessments.
• IONM aids in detecting and minimizing iatrogenic nerve injuries.
• IONM facilitates precise mapping of nervous structures and assessment of nerve functionality.

Conclusions:

• IONM is a valuable tool for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of peripheral nerve stimulation.
• Integrating IONM into PNS procedures improves surgical outcomes and patient safety.
• Further research and adoption of IONM in PNS are recommended.