providing an intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) system comprising at least one probe, at least one reference electrode, at least one strip electrode or grid electrode, at least one sensing electrode, a stimulation module and a handle having a proximal end configured to connect to the stimulation module and a distal end configured to attach to the at least one probe, wherein the handle comprises a first visual indicator, a second visual indicator, and an actuator configured to automatically switch the stimulation module between a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation depending upon a type of the at least one probe, and wherein the first mode of operation is a bipolar mode and the second mode of operation is a monopolar mode;

placing the at least one reference electrode in a perimeter of a surgical field of a patient;

positioning the at least one probe and/or the at least one strip electrode or grid electrode at target locations on the anatomy of said patient;

preparing for recordation of said patient's responses to stimulation by positioning said at least one sensing electrode on said patient's anatomy;

initiating a stimulation protocol in accordance with the automatically selected first mode of operation or second mode of operation;

adjusting stimulation parameters of the stimulation protocol to determine a threshold response; and

assessing the neural structures based on said threshold response, wherein assessing comprises determining whether the patient's anatomy is functioning in a manner indicative of an underlying disease.