Phenomenology of glioma resection in the dorsal medial frontal cortex

Abstract

Background: During the latest decades, the hypothesis that the subjective experience of free will is determined by preconscious activity in the dominant dorsal medial frontal cortex (dMFC) has repeatedly challenged our commonly held concepts of moral responsibility. Aims of the study: To investigate whether dMFC activity determines the sense of free will and to investigate the effects of resections in this area on quality of life (QoL). Methods: A cohort of nine patients affected by transient declines in speech and movement skills after surgery involving the left dMFC answered questions about their post-operative, subjective experiences of volition in relation to symptoms. In eight cases, resections were performed as part of glioma surgery, and in the ninth case, a meningioma adjacent to the dMFC was resected. In addition, a QoL questionnaire was administrated before and after surgery. Results: None of the patients perceived the transient disabilities related to surgery as associated with a loss or absence of volition. No declines in QoL were detected after surgery. Two QoL domains showed improved function (motor dysfunction and future uncertainty). Conclusions: The subjective sense of volition is not contingent on dMFC activity. Surgical resections of this area are not typically associated with declines in QoL.