Awake Surgery for Nonlanguage Mapping

OBJECTIVE: During the past decade, numerous reports have supported the contribution of awake mapping in surgical removal of brain lesions in eloquent areas, with a significant increase of the extent of resection while minimizing the risk of permanent deficit--and even improving quality of life. METHODS: Most of these awake procedures were performed in patients with lesions in language areas, to avoid postoperative aphasia. Surprisingly, mapping of nonlanguage functions received less attention, despite the possible consequences of deficits other than aphasia on daily life. Visuospatial and cognitive deficits are reported after brain surgery, because of more objective and extensive neuropsychological assessments. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: This review provides new insights into the indications of awake craniotomies for nonlanguage mapping in surgery for lesions in areas not related to language processing.