[Presurgical functional MR imaging in the mapping of language function]

Presurgical functional MR imaging (fMRI) is discussed as a possible replacement of intraoperative electrocortical stimulation (ES) in the mapping of language function. On the basis of a literature study and illustrated by our own preliminary clinical experience, it is concluded that at present fMRI does offer valuable information by identifying the language-dominant hemisphere preoperatively and estimating the distance between the tumour and functional language areas. However, it is not a reliable alternative to ES because of technical and conceptual problems.