Hi Dr. Landolfi;
Here is the next question from the group. First though, I want to pass on the sincere "thanks" expressed by many of the group members for your assistance.
How common is the "Nerve Mapping Technique"?, what is it's purpose, and how effective is it in limiting nerve damage?
We have heard ...Some neurosurgeons use "nerve mapping" when preparing to enter the brain.
Thank you (as always)
Bruce
The doctor's response...
It is not very common and done at select places throughout the country that specialize in treating brain tumors. We have the capability at the Neuroscience Institute. There are two principle MRI scans-the diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) which can literally map out critical pathways of the brain (neurons) and functional MRI where we can test and map language, motor activity and sometimes memory. The purpose is to determine if critical pathways are involved with the tumor or pushed away. It is very effective in limiting damage, as is awake craniotomy, particularly when we are concerned with language function. It can mean a tumor described as inoperable may actually be operable (we have had several cases like this) or the difference between able to function normally or not.
Dr. Landolfi