Neurophysiologic Mapping for Glioma Surgery: Preservation of Functional Areas

Abstract

The resection of tumors located within or adjacent to eloquent cortical regions is often necessary to alleviate focal neurological deficits secondary to mass effect and increased intracranial pressure. In addition, there is growing evidence that greater extent of tumor resection correlates with increased time to tumor progression and overall survival for glioma patients [1,2–4]. The surgical aim is to achieve maximal tumor removal without producing permanent morbidity. Neurophysiological mapping of functional areas is critical for minimizing the morbidity associated with removing abnormal tissue from eloquent cortex.