The role of functional magnetic resonance imaging in brain surgery

New functional neuroimaging techniques are changing our understanding of the human brain, and there is now convincing evidence to move away from the classic and clinical static concepts of functional topography. In a modern neurocognitive view, functions are thought to be represented in dynamic large-scale networks. The authors review the current (limited) role of functional MR imaging in brain surgery and the possibilities of new functional MR imaging techniques for research and neurosurgical practice. A critique of current clinical gold standard techniques (electrocortical stimulation and the Wada test) is given. (DOI: 10.3171/2009.12.FOCUS09251)