Awake Craniotomy and Functional Mapping

Awake Craniotomy & Functional Mapping Treatments at NSPC in NY

Awake surgery provides improved results and protects more neurological capabilities for those with complex brain tumors and other lesions adjacent to the portions of the brain controlling language or motor functions.

Although called awake craniotomy, you will not be awake during the entire procedure. Initially, you will be sedated and your scalp will be numbed. Your surgeon will make an incision to uncover the relevant portion of the skull. A small portion of the bone is temporarily removed, called a skull flap, to create a small window. These smaller keyholes are called burr holes. The membrane covering the brain is delicately incised and the brain is exposed.

At this point, you will be awakened. The neuropsychologist will coordinate with the neurosurgeon to guide you through the functional mapping process. By assessing your reported sensations, speech and movement, your neuropsychologist and surgeon can ascertain the regions of the lesion that could interfere with critical brain functions.

Using sophisticated computer imaging, your doctor creates scans during this advanced mapping process that can be used to help plan or assist during brain surgery.

Our multi-disciplinary team of leading doctors in the NY region provides experienced brain and spine care. Discover how awake craniotomy and functional mapping can help you—talk with a brain specialist at one of our medical centers in Long Island and the New York tristate area.