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Translational Brain Mapping at the University of Rochester Medical Center: Preserving the Mind Through Personalized Brain Mapping
Published on: August 12, 2019
Intraoperative language localization in multilingual patients with gliomas
Lorenzo Bello1, Francesco Acerbi, Carlo Giussani
1Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Milan, Fondazione IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Mangiagalli e Regina Elena, Milan, Italy. lorenzo.bello@unimi.it
Neurosurgery
|July 11, 2006
Summary
Intraoperative language mapping in multilingual patients undergoing awake craniotomy is feasible. Mapping all languages spoken by the patient is crucial for preserving functional integrity and speech abilities.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Neurolinguistics
- Neuro-oncology
Background:
- Intraoperative speech localization in multilingual patients is challenging.
- Previous studies show varied results regarding language representation in the brain.
- The optimal approach for mapping multiple languages during surgery remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of intraoperative multiple language mapping in multilingual patients with gliomas.
- To describe cortical and subcortical language findings during awake craniotomy.
- To maximize the preservation of patients' functional language abilities.
Main Methods:
- Seven multilingual patients with left frontal gliomas underwent awake craniotomy.
- Preoperative language testing evaluated production, comprehension, and repetition in each language.
- Intraoperative cortical and subcortical stimulation mapped language areas during tumor resection.
Main Results:
- Essential cortical naming sites were identified in 87.5% of patients.
- Language sites for each patient's languages were distinct and unpredictably distributed.
- Subcortical language tracts were identified, and temporary fluency reduction occurred in some patients post-surgery, with subsequent recovery.
Conclusions:
- Multiple cortical and subcortical language mapping during awake craniotomy is feasible and well-tolerated.
- Intraoperative mapping for all languages is recommended to preserve functional integrity.
- This approach aids in maximally preserving patients' speech abilities.
