Verified By August 28, 2023
Verified by Dr. Abhidha Shah, Consultant Neurosurgery, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai
“Everything we do, every thought we’ve ever had, is produced by the human brain. But exactly how does our brain operate remains one of the biggest unsolved mysteries, and it seems the more we probe its secrets, the more surprises we find.”-Neil deGrasse Tyson.
The need for brain mapping
The human brain is an archetypal complex system. Though the anatomy and physiology of the brain is well known, certain higher functions of the brain are still an enigma to neuroscientists. For example: What is consciousness and what parts of the brain are involved in sub serving consciousness? What makes each human unique and defines who he or she is?
Studying this fascinating organ and deciphering its complexities is one of the prime areas of focus of neuroscientists. The field of analyzing the structure and function of the brain is known as brain mapping. Brain mapping as defined by the Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics is the use of advanced neuroimaging, neurophysiology, biology, engineering, nanotechnology, molecular and optogenetics and stem cell and cellular biology to create atlas of brain anatomy and function.
Various forms of brain mapping techniques
The brain can be visualized as having a cortex, subcortical white matter, a central core and the ventricular system. The white matter of the brain can be likened to wires in an electric circuit connecting various parts of the brain to each other. Damage to or abnormalities in this white matter connectivity is responsible for a multitude of neurological illnesses.
Awake brain surgery
The most accurate way of mapping brain function is during awake neurosurgery using direct cortical and subcortical electrical stimulation. As neurosurgeons we use this to achieve a balance of maximal tumor resection and preserving a good quality of life for the patient. Mapping of brain function during awake surgery enhances our understanding of higher-level executive functions of the brain, cognition and language.
The Apollo Institute of Neurosciences at Navi Mumbai has a multitude of facilities including state-of-the-art infrastructure and the latest technology for neurosurgery and neurology treatment including traumatic brain and spine injury, brain and spinal cord tumors, craniovertebral junction surgery, degenerative spinal diseases, stroke, vascular neurosurgery, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease & congenital malformations.
Connect with our expert, Dr. Abhidha Shah, Consultant Neurosurgery, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai, the best neurosurgeon in Mumbai for more details.
Call 022 6280 6280 for an appointment.