Toward functional neuronavigation: implementation of functional magnetic resonance imaging data in a surgical guidance system for intraoperative identification of motor and language cortices. Technical note and illustrative case.

In recent years, surgical navigation systems have become equipped to allow incorporation of data such as functional neuronavigation data. Functional magnetic resonance (fMR) imaging is a noninvasive modality that demonstrates various brain functions. Although still in an experimental stage, fMR imaging is a promising tool for mapping of motor and language functions. One advantage is that it can be implemented in presurgical imaging protocols and is therefore potentially widely available in general neurosurgical practice. In this paper the integration of fMR imaging and surgical navigation is described, and the potential advantages and pitfalls of its application in clinical practice are discussed.