Stereotactic and functional neurosurgery
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The use of functional neuroimaging holds the promise of improving neurosurgical outcomes by providing preoperative localization of critical brain functions. The brain representation of somatosensory function can be effectively localized using magnetoencephalography (MEG) in both normal subjects and in patients with tumors, vascular malformation, and epilepsy. This study investigates the pattern of somatosensory localization in 45 patients. ⋯ Results showed that this peak localized either to the central or postcentral sulcus of the somatosensory cortex. We found that neither age nor the presence of brain pathologies had significant effect on the recognition of the somatosensory cortex. Patients who underwent surgery after presurgical planning using MEG suffered no new somatosensory deficits, indicating the valuable role of pre-surgical mapping using MEG in the surgical planning.
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Stereotact Funct Neurosurg · Jan 2013
Accuracy of frame-based stereotactic depth electrode implantation during craniotomy for subdural grid placement.
Frame-based stereotaxy and open craniotomy may seem mutually exclusive, but invasive electrophysiological monitoring can require broad sampling of the cortex and precise targeting of deeper structures. ⋯ The described technique for craniotomy through a stereotactic frame allows placement of subdural grids and depth electrodes without sacrificing the accuracy of a frame or requiring staged procedures.