Intraoperative Neuromonitoring
(IONM) Exam Questions & Answers
(Grade A+)
What is the primary purpose of intraoperative neuromonitoring
(IONM)? -
correct answer ✅To detect and prevent reversible nerve damage
during surgery through real-time neural pathway assessment
Which two neural pathways are used during IONM? -
correct answer ✅Motor (descending) and sensory (ascending)
pathways
Why is IONM particularly critical during spinal surgery? -
correct answer ✅Prevents spinal cord damage that could lead to
paralysis
What are the key differences between MEP and SEP stimulation
sites? -
correct answer ✅MEP stimulates motor cortex; SEP stimulates
peripheral nerves
Why does MEP require higher voltage stimulation than SEP? -
correct answer ✅Must overcome corticospinal tract resistance to
activate muscles
(IONM) Exam Questions & Answers
(Grade A+)
What is the primary purpose of intraoperative neuromonitoring
(IONM)? -
correct answer ✅To detect and prevent reversible nerve damage
during surgery through real-time neural pathway assessment
Which two neural pathways are used during IONM? -
correct answer ✅Motor (descending) and sensory (ascending)
pathways
Why is IONM particularly critical during spinal surgery? -
correct answer ✅Prevents spinal cord damage that could lead to
paralysis
What are the key differences between MEP and SEP stimulation
sites? -
correct answer ✅MEP stimulates motor cortex; SEP stimulates
peripheral nerves
Why does MEP require higher voltage stimulation than SEP? -
correct answer ✅Must overcome corticospinal tract resistance to
activate muscles
