Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation-Electroencephalography (TMS-EEG) in Neurosurgery: Unexplored Path Towards...

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Neuroscience
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation-Electroencephalography (TMS-EEG) combines non-invasive cortical stimulation with brain electrical activity recording.
• The combined use of TMS-EEG in neurosurgical practice remains underexplored.
• Understanding TMS-EEG's potential impact is crucial for advancing neurosurgical techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review on the application of TMS-EEG in neurosurgery, specifically in epilepsy, neuro-oncology, and general neurosurgical contexts.
• To identify and evaluate existing research on TMS-EEG within neurosurgical practice.
• To highlight potential future applications and research needs for TMS-EEG in neurosurgery.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive scoping review following PRISMA guidelines was performed.
• Literature searches were conducted in Embase and Ovid MEDLINE, yielding 3596 records.
• Study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment were conducted by independent investigators.

Main Results:

• Only three studies (two articles and one abstract) met the inclusion criteria after screening 3596 records.
• TMS-EEG is identified as a potentially valuable tool for assessing tumor-brain interactions, enhancing preoperative speech mapping, and lateralizing epileptic foci.
• Limited patient and outcome data in current studies restrict a full evaluation of TMS-EEG's utility.

Conclusions:

• Further research is essential to define the role of TMS-EEG in neurosurgery.
• Key potential applications include evaluating tumor-brain interactions, improving preoperative mapping, and aiding in seizure lateralization.
• Establishing the clinical utility of this non-invasive technique requires dedicated investigation.