Gastvortrag im Rahmen des Kolloquiums "Progress in Brain Language Research"

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Presenter: Dr. Thomas Picht, Charité Berlin

Title: Navigated TMS & Brain Tumor Surgery

Abstract: The intimate relationship between a brain tumor and its surrounding tissue can nowadays be derived from state-of-the art anatomical imaging at great detail. Yet, the functional relevance of the surrounding or, in the case of infiltrative lesions, invaded tissue frequently remains unclear, since anatomical landmarks can be insufficient to predict the exact location of functional areas in the individual case. In order to base the preoperative risk-benefit-balancing and accordingly the consultation of the patient on objective data, reliable non-invasive functional mapping techniques are needed. Navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (nTMS) is the only non-invasive technology, that mimicks the gold-standard of intraoperative direct electrical stimulation of brain tissue. The presentation will cover the rationale of preoperative functional diagnostics and discuss the pros and cons of nTMS and nTMS-based tractography for planning and performing brain tumor surgery in presumed motor or language eloquent areas.

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