Comparative analysis of intraoperative thermal and optical imaging for identification of the human primary sensory cortex

ITI and IOI produce comparable functional maps with moderate agreement in Cohen's kappa values. Their distinct physiological mechanisms suggest complementary use in specific clinical scenarios, such as cortical tumors or impaired neurovascular coupling. IOI excels in spatial resolution and mapping reliability, whereas ITI provides additional insights into metabolic changes and tissue properties, especially in pathological areas. Combined, these modalities could enhance the understanding and analysis of functional and pathological processes in complex neurosurgical cases.