Brain mapping with direct electrical stimulation is usefull when the tumor is located near or has infiltrated the central lobe. OBJETIVE: To analize the surgical findings with direct electrical stimulation of the cortex and white matter under general anesthesia during surgery for brain tumors related to the central lobe. METHOD: We studied 42 patients operated on from June 2000 to June 2003. We analyzed surgical findings and details of brain mapping. RESULTS: The mean value of the intensity of the stimulus was greater among those who presented motor deficit prior to surgery (p = 0.0425) and edema on MRI (p= 0.0468) or during anesthesia with continuous propofol (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: The functional mapping of the central lobe may be influenced by severe motor deficit, edema on MRI and propofol's anesthesia.
functional surgery; motor cortex; central lobe; stimulation; brain tumor; mapping
