Post by NordicNeuroLab

• fMRI and epilepsy • Neuroimaging is increasingly expanding beyond traditional tumor mapping, with fMRI emerging as a valuable tool for presurgical planning and language lateralization in patients with epilepsy. How fMRI supports enhanced epilepsy diagnosis and treatment: 🗺️ Non-Invasive Brain Mapping: fMRI can replace some invasive procedures like the Wada test (which involves putting half of the brain to sleep and direct intra-cranial stimulation) for helping neurosurgeons understand a patient's exact brain organization prior to any action. Using fMRI for mapping essential cortex areas allows surgeons to plan resections that maximize seizure control while avoiding damage to functions like speech and movement. ⚡️Simultaneous EEG-fMRI: Combining fMRI with an EEG allows doctors to measure dynamic changes in oxygenated blood exactly when an abnormal electrical discharge occurs. This can help locate hidden epileptogenic zones.   🤔 Predicting Cognitive Outcomes: fMRI helps predict the likelihood and severity of memory or language deficits before surgery, helping care teams and patients weigh the risks and benefits of an operation. The use of fMRI in epileptology is supported by American Academy of Neurology guidelines and by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers criteria, which require that the MRI report required for full accreditation include a statement and/or technical description of the epilepsy specific protocol followed. At NordicNeuroLab, we continue to explore how our fMRI solutions can better support clinicians who specialize in seizure disorders and invite them to be part of our journey! (Interested in the research? Link to our resources in the comments below.) #fMRI #Epilepsy #Neurosurgery #NAEC #EpilepsyFoundation