Brain Tumor Mapping

Not all regions of the brain are alike. To remove brain tumors in close proximity or contained within functionally “eloquent” areas in a safe manner, tumor neurosurgeons perform brain function mapping. This allows us to safely remove as much of the tumor as possible while avoiding those critical areas of the brain, something tumor neurosurgeons call maximal safe resection.

 

This mapping may be performed before surgery with a functional MRI to determine where language and key motor functions lie with respect to a tumor. During surgery, advanced electrophysiological techniques are used to test the patient, who is sometimes awakened during surgery to test functions such as language that cannot be examined under anesthesia.