Neurosurgical and BCI approaches to visual rehabilitation in occipital lobe tumor patients

This study investigates the effects of occipital lobe tumors on visual processing and the role of brain-computer interface (BCI) technologies in post-surgical visual rehabilitation. Through a combination of pre-surgical functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), intra-operative direct cortical stimulation (DCS) and Electrocorticography (ECoG), and post-surgical BCI interventions, we provide insight into the complex dynamics between occipital lobe tumors and visual function. Our results highlight a discrepancy between clinical assessments of visual field damage and the patient's reported visual experiences, suggesting a residual functional capacity within the damaged occipital regions. Additionally, the absence of expected visual phenomena during surgery and the promising outcomes from BCI-driven rehabilitation underscore the complexity of visual processing and the potential of technology-enhanced rehabilitation strategies. This work emphasizes the need for an interdisciplinary approach in developing effective treatments for visual impairments related to brain tumors, illustrating the significant implications for neurosurgical practices and the advancement of rehabilitation sciences.