fMRI in Neurosurgery

Functional magnetic resonance imaging has evolved from a basic research application to a useful clinical tool that also has found its place in modern neurosurgery. The localization of functional important brain areas as language and sensorimotor cortex has been the focus of numerous investigations and can now be implemented in neurosurgical planning. Since the neurosurgeon must have detailed knowledge about the individual anatomy and related neurological function to resect a brain tumor with the highest safety, the need for individualized maps of brain function is essential. Advanced fMRI techniques and modern imaging methods contribute significantly to brain mapping as do already established concepts of electrophysiological monitoring and the Wada test. The implementation of functional maps into neuronavigation systems enables the surgeon to superimpose anatomy and function to the surgical site. This chapter describes our experience with the use of fMRI in neurosurgery.