Passive Functional Mapping Using Infrared Thermography in Epilepsy Awake Surgery: Case Report

Authors

Enrique de Font-Réaulx, Neurosurgery, Epilepsy Clinic, ABC Medical Center, Mexico CityFollow
Javier Terrazo-Lluch, Neurosurgery, Epilepsy Clinic, ABC Medical CenterFollow
Paul Shkurovich-Bialik, Neurophysiology, Epilepsy Clinic, ABC Medical CenterFollow
Miguel Ángel Collado-Corona, Neurophysiology, Epilepsy Clinic, ABC Medical CenterFollow
Ernesto Ramírez-Navarrete, Pediatric Neurology, Epilepsy Clinic, ABC Medical CenterFollow
Luis Díaz-López MD, Neuroanesthesiology, National Institute for Neurology and NeurosurgeryFollow
Alma Rosa Martínez-Rosas MSc, Neuropsychology, National Institute for Neurology and NeurosurgeryFollow
Adalberto González-Astiazarán, Pediatric Neurology, Epilepsy Clinic, ABC Medical CenterFollow

Corresponding Author

Enrique de Font-Réaulx

Document Type

Case Report

Abstract

Background: Active Functional Mapping (AFM) is the gold standard method for localizing cortical and subcortical brain functional areas and tracts. By definition, it requires direct application of controlled electrical stimuli under established protocols. Nevertheless, it entails inherent risks, such as causing intraoperative seizures. On the other hand, Passive Functional Mapping (PFM) doesn´t require electrical stimulation of the nervous system. PFM is based on the knowledge that brain metabolism generates different electromagnetic radiation patterns depending on its metabolism, that are invisible to the human eye, but infrared thermographic cameras can show those changes related to brain activity without the use of special light or dyes. Surgical Technique: We describe the technique and results with adherence to the care guidelines, of a single case of awake epilepsy surgery with AFM and a new method for performing PFM, developed by the authors. Case Presentation: Using an infrared thermographic camera, we detected that the basal cortical temperature increases 2.8 °C while moving the contralateral face, and 2.4 °C while moving the contralateral hand, in their respective primary cortex motor areas as confirmed by AFM. Discussion: The infrared thermographic camera allows visualization of the electromagnetic radiation of the brain, without the use of dyes or special lighting in real-time, according to different metabolic conditions related to resting or activation states. Conclusion: This new PFM technique should be investigated in a clinical trial, in order to establish its sensibility and specificity.

Completion Checklist

COVER LETTER; MANUSCRIPT

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Recommended Citation

de Font-Réaulx, Enrique; Terrazo-Lluch, Javier; Shkurovich-Bialik, Paul; Collado-Corona, Miguel Ángel; Ramírez-Navarrete, Ernesto; Díaz-López, Luis MD; Martínez-Rosas, Alma Rosa MSc; and González-Astiazarán, Adalberto (2022) "Passive Functional Mapping Using Infrared Thermography in Epilepsy Awake Surgery: Case Report," Archives of Neurosurgery: Vol. 1: Iss. 2, Article 5.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.71119/2992-8478.1027
Available at: https://www.ansjournal.org/home/vol1/iss2/5