The Development of Functional MRI and Its Influence on Neurosurgical Techniques

Abstract Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has significantly transformed neurosurgical practice by enabling real-time visualization of brain activity. Developed in the early 1990s, fMRI surpassed traditional imaging techniques like CT and MRI, which could only capture static brain structures. fMRI’s ability to detect blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signals in response to neuronal activity revolutionized brain mapping, allowing for non-invasive localization of functional areas essential for speech, movement, and cognition. Neurosurgeons now use fMRI extensively in pre-surgical planning, particularly in cases involving tumors near critical brain regions. This precise mapping has reduced post-surgical impairments by facilitating targeted tumor resections while preserving essential functions. Additionally, advancements in integrating fMRI with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and tractography have further refined brain connectivity mapping, enhancing surgical outcomes. Despite challenges, including variability in patient-specific results and inherent risks, fMRI remains indispensable. Ongoing developments in AI and hardware improvements promise to elevate fMRI’s role in neurosurgery. Keywords: neurosurgery, functional MRI, mapping