Awake Craniotomy

Tumors located in areas of the brain that control motor or speech present a unique challenge. The goal of tumor surgery is to resect as much of the tumor as possible, while not causing further neurological problems. Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring allows motor and speech functions to be continuously evaluated during surgery.

Speech function during surgery is monitored through awake craniotomy. This procedure is particularly beneficial when a tumor or lesion is close to areas of the brain that control speech. During this procedure, the patient is awakened after the brain has been made accessible.

With the patient awake, speech areas are mapped using small electrodes. The patient is required to talk and perform certain tasks during the mapping process. The map helps physicians identify and avoid regions of the brain that control speech and comprehension. Again, maximum tumor resection can be achieved while preserving this important area of the brain. Local anesthetics ensure that an awake craniotomy is a painless procedure.

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