A newly designed nerve monitor for microneurosurgery: bipolar constant current nerve stimulator and movement detector with a pressure sensor.

The authors describe a newly designed nerve monitor which is useful for numerous microneurosurgical procedures. Standard bipolar forceps are used to apply constant current stimulation. Muscle contraction evoked by the stimulation is detected by a small disc-shaped pressure sensor taped to the overlying skin. The responses are monitored both quantitatively on a liquid crystal display and qualitatively through an on-off auditory signal. Surgery can proceed without interruption. This apparatus can safely and reliably monitor the facial nerve, nerves involved in eye movements, lower cranial nerves and spinal nerves. This portable system weights only 1.8 kg and can easily be used by a neurosurgeon.