Awake Craniotomy for intra operative cortical stimulation of language sensitive areas: clinical and neurolinguistic results of a prospective, longitudinal evaluation of 153 cases

Objective: The feasibility of intra operative language mapping has been demonstrated; detailed neurolinguistic outcome data, however, are still lacking. Therefore, the current prospective study (1991–2005) was conducted. Methods: Patients with lesions within/near to suspected language-relevant areas were evaluated before surgery, within the first mouth and within one year after surgery (Aachener Aphasie Test). After intra operative stimulation and neurolinguistic testing language sensitive areas were marked; the surgical approach and extend of resection were accordingly adapted. Results: 153 patients were includ…