ERRATA

Abstract Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has revolutionized the field of neurosurgery by providing a dynamic method for mapping brain activity, enabling more precise and safer surgical interventions. Unlike traditional MRI, which provides structural images, fMRI captures changes in blood flow, revealing functional regions of the brain in real time. Since its development in the early 1990s, fMRI has had a profound influence on pre-surgical planning and brain mapping, particularly for patients with brain tumors located near critical areas responsible for speech, movement, and vision. fMRI allows neurosurgeons to map essential functional areas, minimizing the risk of postoperative deficits and enhancing surgical precision. Additionally, the integration of fMRI with other imaging techniques, such as diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), has further refined the ability to map neural pathways and critical structures, offering a more comprehensive view of brain connectivity. The use of fMRI during awake craniotomies, where patients remain conscious during tumor resection, has significantly improved outcomes by allowing real-time monitoring of brain function. Despite its advantages, fMRI is not without limitations, including variability in patient responses and indirect measures of brain activity. However, advancements in technology, such as artificial intelligence and high-resolution imaging, promise to enhance the accuracy and reliability of fMRI in neurosurgical applications. This review discusses the historical development of fMRI, its transformative impact on neurosurgical techniques, and future directions for integrating fMRI with emerging technologies to improve patient outcomes.