Abstract

Preoperative functional MRI of motor and sensory cortices: how imaging can save vital functions

Author(s): Christina Stathopoulos, Nicole Brennan, Kyung K Peck and Andrei I Holodny

Blood oxygen level-dependent functional MRI (fMRI) has been used to enhance the understanding of neuroanatomy and functions of the brain and is becoming an accepted brain-mapping tool for clinicians, researchers and basic scientists alike. fMRI has an ever-growing list of clinical applications, including presurgical mapping of motor, language and memory functions, and has no known risks as a noninvasive procedure. fMRI data gives the neurosurgeon the opportunity to make more informed decisions regarding the approach to the tumor and the necessity for invasive mapping procedures. This article reviews the applicability of fMRI to clinical neurosurgical practice, describes the optimization of paradigm design and delivery for motor and sensory mapping and illustrates artifacts and other clinically relevant pitfalls of fMRI.