The Spinal Cord Electrophysiology (SCE) group provides scientific expertise pertaining to the neural structures of the body, particularly the spinal cord. Expertise within the group has supported the development of a broader portfolio of scientific services to now support clinicians across a broad spectrum of surgical activities.
It is the remit of the group to develop and deliver high quality scientific services within the areas of neural stimulation and measurement, specialist IT support for complex medical systems used in theatre and quality assurance of associated medical equipment. In partnership with clinical staff our aim is to contribute to patient services with continuously evolving scientific support to meet changing service demands and improve outcomes.
The multimode intraoperative monitoring (MIOM) service can be used to monitor the electrophysiology of the spinal cord during orthopaedic and neurosurgical procedures, most commonly using a combination of Sensory Evoked Potentials (SEPs) and Motor Evoked Potentials (MEPs) for corrective spinal surgeries, such as Scoliosis spinal fusions.
The service has the capability to offer protocols that can monitor all, or combinations of the following:
Magnetic stimulation is a non-invasive and painless method to stimulate nerves of the central (excluding. spinal cord) and peripheral nervous system. Stimulating the motor cortex of the brain can innervate motor evoked potentials, capable of activating muscles in the limbs of the body. Diagnostic tests can provide insight into patient nerve function and health within a clinic setting.
The Mag-stim technology has evolved to provide complex frequency delivery of magnetic fields. It is a goal to investigate the possibility of translating the use of Magstim innervated neuromodulation techniques into therapeutic treatments for certain patient groups who have become drug resistant for their condition and therefore unable to properly manage symptoms.
Primary areas of interest for the Mag-stim technology:
Primarily provisions services to support the IT aspects of the technology used to provide the Trusts surgical planning and navigation (SP&N) platform for neurosurgery, ENT and maxi facial surgical services. In partnership with stakeholders provide a focus to develop capability and meet future clinical need by using the latest proven technology to benefit patient outcomes.
Medical Device Management of Implanted devices: sacral anterior root stimulators and neuromodulation for urology type applications (SARs)
The group has expertise in the development of stimulate protocols for implanted devices that may stimulate both sacral anterior roots and connected peripheral nerves. Main experience involves working with paraplegic patients from the spinal injuries unit. Managing patient devices and attending clinics to develop stimulate protocols to help manage micturition.
Telephone Numbers Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Main Switchboard: 0114 243 4343
Sheffield Children's Hospital Main Switchboard: 0114 271 7000
This service is available at the following hospitals:
Whilst we are not a service that receives direct referrals, if you are interested in using our services, please contact Dr Ian Scivill on ian.scivill@nhs.net
For any further information on Spinal Cord Electrophysiology, speak to your surgeon at your next consultation who will be able to answer any queries or point you to the correct contact.
