Left Temporal Lobectomy Using Functional MRI in a Math Genius: A Case Report

Standard treatment of drug-refractory epilepsy, due to left mesial temporal sclerosis, is anterior temporal lobectomy with amygdalohippocampectomy (ATL). This carries a risk of cognitive deficits, including comprehension, verbal memory, and visual memory. Preoperative language lateralization and localization is important to preserve these functions. Often Wada testing is used for these, but it carries risk due to its invasive nature. In addition, it can lateralize but not localize and may not be readily available. We hereby present a mathematics genius who underwent left ATL under the guidance of functional MRI and neuropsychological assessment alone, resulting in the preservation of all of his cognitive abilities even in the immediate postoperative period. A video demonstration of his calendar likeability is also shown.