Chapter 8 – Neuromonitoring

Monitoring the cerebrum is a complex phenomenon mainly because a small part of the brain will be controlling a major physiological function and the damage can result in a devastating complication. To ensure that there is no major injury to the brain, all parts of the brain need to be monitored continuously, both anatomically and physiologically. This is an onerous task. Thus, various modalities of cerebral function monitoring have come into vogue. This chapter mainly deals with the physiological monitoring of the brain. The cerebral blood flow monitoring is done either as a global aspect or a regional aspect. The various intracranial pressure monitoring techniques and devices are discussed. Electrophysiological monitoring of the brain and its role in assessing the functioning of the neuronal cells and the tracts are discussed. Cerebral oxygenation is assessed by jugular venous oximetry, regional cerebral oximetry, direct brain tissue oxygen monitoring. Cerebral microdialysis in assessing cerebral oxygenation is also discussed.