Authors' objectives:

The aim of this study was to assess the available evidence on cerebral mapping (CM).

Authors' results and conclusions: In 1997, the American Academy of Neurology evaluated the usefulness of cerebral mapping and came to the conclusion that until that moment most reports had evaluated the potential indications and opened investigational lines more than defined concrete clinical applications. Among those reports that had evaluated clinical applications, very few were reproducible or prospectibly verifiable and their conclusions differed. On the other hand, the techniques differ from one another and a clinical application using one technique could not be reproduced with another. Because of these reasons, the use of cerebral mapping in the clinical practice is difficult. Until now, no study similar to that performed by the American Academy of Neurolgy in 1997 has been carried out; and the evidence that has appeared since then does not seem to have changed substantially.

Authors' recommendations: Although the usefulness of CM has not yet been clearly demonstrated for any particular clinical picture, at present we can summarize its potential indications as follows: Clinical pictures for which cerebral mapping could be useful: - of epileptogenic foci in patients with confirmed epilepsy diagnosis that meet criteria for potential surgery. - Monitoring of selected intensive care unit patients to early detect intracranial complications. Clinical pictures for which cerebral mapping use is more controversial: - Evaluation of patients with suspected dementia or other encephalopathies when diagnosis could not be clearly defined using other techniques. - To evaluate patients with cerebrovascular disease symptoms for which imaging studies and EEG are not conclusive. Clinical pictures for which cerebral mapping is not useful or is in an investigational stage: - Assessment of patients with depression - Learning and attention disorders in children. - Assessment of patients with head trauma. - Psychiatric cases (schizophrenia) - Alcohol and drug abuse.

Authors' methods: Overview

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.iecs.org.ar/

Year Published: 2003

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Argentina

Organisation Name: Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy

Contact Address: Dr. Emilio Ravignani 2024, Buenos Aires - Argentina, C1414 CABA

Contact Name: info@iecs.org.ar

Contact Email: info@iecs.org.ar

Copyright: Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS)