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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
Imaging language pathways predicts postoperative naming deficits
H W R Powell1, G J M Parker, D C Alexander
1Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, Institute of Neurology, University College London WC1N 3BG, UK.
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
|November 17, 2007
Summary
Predicting naming difficulties after anterior temporal lobe resection (ATLR) is challenging. Preoperative MR tractography showing greater language tract lateralization to the dominant hemisphere predicts worse naming outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Neurology
- Neuroradiology
Background:
- Naming difficulties are a known complication of anterior temporal lobe resection (ATLR) for epilepsy.
- Predicting postoperative naming deficits remains a clinical challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the utility of preoperative MR tractography in predicting naming decline after dominant hemisphere ATLR.
- To correlate structural language network lateralization with naming outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized preoperative MR tractography to assess structural connectivity of language areas.
- Analyzed patients undergoing dominant hemisphere ATLR for refractory epilepsy.
- Quantified the lateralization of language tracts to the dominant hemisphere.
Main Results:
- Greater lateralization of language tracts to the dominant hemisphere was significantly associated with a greater decline in naming function.
- MR tractography revealed differences in structural connectivity related to naming performance.
Conclusions:
- Preoperative MR tractography can potentially predict postoperative language deficits, specifically naming decline, in patients undergoing ATLR.
- Assessing language network lateralization may aid in surgical planning and patient counseling for ATLR.
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