Functional Connectivity of Intrinsic Brain Activity For Presurgical Planning
Speaker: Steven Stufflebeam , Harvard Medical School/HST/MGH
Date: April 14 2011
Time: 11:30AM to 12:30PM
Location: 32-D507
Host: Polina Golland, CSAIL
Contact: Polina Golland, xx38005, polina@csail.mit.edu
Relevant URL: Currently, presurgical mapping requires a multi-layered approach that involves several different
procedures and tests. This includes clinical assessments, electroencephalography,
magnetoencephalography, neuropsychological testing, and a number of imaging procedures. Here we will
present and discuss a new method that could supplement and, in some cases, replaced these tests with
a single non-invasive test that would map the entire brain—including the motor system, language
systems, and memory systems—in about 20 minutes, all without the need of patient active participation.
Specifically, we hypothesize that essential areas of cortex can be accurately mapped based on intrinsic
functional connectivity based on MRI. Therefore patient compliance will not be required and a single,
simple procedure could be used for many functional mapping needs. This project will also lead to a new
language and memory lateralization technique supplementing or replacing the traditional invasive Wada
test and invasive brain mapping that both require a conscious and cooperative patient. Furthermore, by
assessing the disruption of functional connectivity, the brain lesions and epileptogenic cortex area be
identified. This project proposes a simple imaging approach for presurgical mapping in patients with brain
lesions and has the possibility of revolutionizing presurgical mapping. If successful, it will decrease
morbidity and perhaps increase the likelihood of making a person seizure free. We will also discuss how
this project is part of the effort to identify the human brain ‘connectome’.
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