Abstracts

Rationale: Pre-surgical epilepsy evaluations routinely include the intracarotid sodium amobarbital procedure (Wada). Complications and inconclusive findings are rare; however, they are possible. Functional MRI (fMRI) has shown efficacy as a highly sensitive measure and results have shown promise for high correlation. Binder and colleagues (1996) provide strong correlational data for lateralization of language functioning utilizing fMRI and Wada in adult populations through the use of a lateralization index formula. Methods: The current study investigates the correlation between sensitivity to language dominance in children and adolescents as measured by fMRI and Wada. An archival review of 8 pre-surgical cases conducted between 2006 and 2008 was completed. A language lateralization quotient was computed from Wada and fMRI language tasks in order to assess hemispheric dominance. A Pearson correlational analysis was performed to analyze whether the two measures produced corresponding results. Results: The results of the Pearson correlation evaluating Wada and fMRI language lateralization were significant (p <.05; r =.774). The Wada and fMRI tests were highly concordant in all cases, with the exception of one. With the aid of the lateralization index, the degree of fMRI sensitivity, when compared to Wada, was made readily apparent. Conclusions: A pediatric population was utilized in this study but findings replicate Binder and colleagues’ research with adults. These results indicate that Wada and fMRI sensitivity to hemispheric language dominance are correlated. Although the risk associated with the Wada technique is small, it still poses threat in all populations. With continued correlation between Wada and the cutting-edge fMRI technique, the more invasive of the two may not be necessary in the future for cases with a specific interest in language function.