Intraoperative Neuro Monitoring (IONM)

Intraoperative Neuro Monitoring (IONM) is a specialist technique used during surgeries where parts of the nervous system may be at risk, such as in neurosurgery, spinal surgery, orthopaedic or vascular procedures. It provides real-time information to the surgical team about how the brain, spinal cord and nerves are functioning throughout the operation.

By continuously monitoring these signals, IONM helps reduce the risk of nerve injury and supports safer surgical outcomes.

MediServices neurophysiologists deliver IONM across hospitals nationwide, including working on behalf of the NHS and Independent hospitals to support safer surgical outcomes.

During the procedure, small sterile needle electrodes are placed on specific muscles or skin areas. These electrodes send gentle electrical signals along the nervous system and record the body’s responses.

This data is displayed in real time to the surgical team, allowing them to identify and respond to any changes instantly.

Our experienced Clinical Physiologists work closely alongside the surgeon and anaesthetist, ensuring the highest standard of neurological safety and precision throughout the operation.

IONM is designed to protect you during surgery, not to interfere with it. You won’t feel anything during the monitoring, and it doesn’t alter how the surgery is performed.

The purpose of IONM is to enhance patient safety, providing surgeons with the insight needed to make informed decisions and avoid potential neurological complications.

After your procedure, you may notice minor temporary marks or bruising where electrodes were placed, but these typically resolve quickly.

No. IONM is a non-invasive and protective monitoring process. Its purpose is to help prevent damage to nerves, not to cause it.

The electrodes used are safe, and while slight redness or tenderness at electrode sites may occur, these effects are temporary and minimal.

Several different neurophysiological techniques are used during IONM, depending on the type of surgery:

• Motor Evoked Potentials (MEPs): Measure muscle responses after stimulating the motor cortex, helping assess spinal cord and motor pathway integrity.
• Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (SSEPs): Stimulate peripheral nerves and record signals from the sensory regions of the brain, detecting changes in sensory pathways.
• Electromyography (EMG): Continuously records electrical activity in muscles, providing early warning of potential nerve irritation or injury.

These methods work together to provide a comprehensive view of nervous system function, allowing immediate adjustments if any changes occur.

IONM is typically requested for operations where there’s potential risk to the brain, spinal cord or peripheral nerves.

Common procedures include:

• Neurosurgery
• Orthopaedic surgery
• Vascular surgery

If your surgeon recommends IONM, it’s because it enhances safety and confidence throughout your procedure.

All Intraoperative Neuro Monitoring at MediServices is conducted by highly trained Neurophysiologists who specialise in surgical monitoring.

They work as part of a multidisciplinary team alongside your surgeon and anaesthetist, ensuring seamless communication and patient-focused care throughout.

At MediServices, we combine clinical governance, NHS-aligned standards and leading-edge neurophysiology expertise to deliver exceptional IONM services.

Our clinicians provide:

• Real-time surgical monitoring across NHS and Independent hospitals nationwide
• Full compliance with clinical and CQC standards
• Patient-centred safety and compassionate care
• Insourced and outsourced solutions tailored to hospital needs

MediServices provides Intraoperative Neuro Monitoring (IONM) through two service models, depending on the needs of the hospital or surgical team.

Our neurophysiologists attend your site and work as part of your theatre team. We bring all required equipment and consumables and integrate fully into your operating theatre workflow.

This model is well suited to:

• NHS Trusts with existing IONM services requiring additional capacity
• Independent hospitals seeking to expand their surgical offering safely and compliantly

We manage the full IONM pathway, including staffing, equipment, setup, intraoperative support and post-operative reporting. This approach is ideal for hospitals or surgical teams without an in-house IONM service or those seeking a fully managed diagnostic solution.

All services are delivered under consultant supervision and in line with NHS governance, documentation and reporting protocols.

Whether you’re a hospital looking to procure IONM support or a patient wanting to understand your procedure, MediServices delivers trusted expertise with care.

If you’re a hospital or clinician, contact our clinical partnerships team to discuss insourced or outsourced IONM provision.

If you’re a patient, you can find out more about neurophysiology service or speak with your consultant about how IONM will support your care.