Ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeries often occur in a complex area through which several cranial nerves (nerves that connect to the brain) pass, including the facial and auditory (hearing) cranial nerves. IONM is useful in ENT surgeries where cranial nerves or brainstem function is at risk. Use of IONM is particularly well documented in surgical removal of non-malignant cranial tumors that are a rare cause of hearing loss and dizziness, as well as other symptoms related to the brain (e.g. acoustic neuromas) where the injury to the facial nerve is a substantial risk.

Selected References
Harner, SG, et al. Improved preservation of facial nerve functions with use of electrical monitoring during removal of acoustic neuromas.
Mayo Clin. Proc., 1987,62, 92-102 Yingling, CD, Gardi, JN. Intraoperative monitoring of facial and cochlear nerves during acoustic neuroma surgery. Otolryngol. Clin. N. Am. 1992, 25, 413-448