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Kram L, Ohlerth AK, Ille S, Meyer B, Krieg SM. CompreTAP: Feasibility and reliability of a new language comprehension mapping task via preoperative navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation. Cortex 2024; 171:347-369. [PMID: 38086145 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2023.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Stimulation-based language mapping approaches that are used pre- and intraoperatively employ predominantly overt language tasks requiring sufficient language production abilities. Yet, these production-based setups are often not feasible in brain tumor patients with severe expressive aphasia. This pilot study evaluated the feasibility and reliability of a newly developed language comprehension task with preoperative navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (nTMS). METHODS Fifteen healthy subjects and six brain tumor patients with severe expressive aphasia unable to perform classic overt naming tasks underwent preoperative nTMS language mapping based on an auditory single-word Comprehension TAsk for Perioperative mapping (CompreTAP). Comprehension was probed by button-press responses to auditory stimuli, hence not requiring overt language responses. Positive comprehension areas were identified when stimulation elicited an incorrect or delayed button press. Error categories, case-wise cortical error rate distribution and inter-rater reliability between two experienced specialists were examined. RESULTS Overall, the new setup showed to be feasible. Comprehension-disruptions induced by nTMS manifested in no responses, delayed or hesitant responses, searching behavior or selection of wrong target items across all patients and controls and could be performed even in patients with severe expressive aphasia. The analysis agreement between both specialists was substantial for classifying comprehension-positive and -negative sites. Extensive left-hemispheric individual cortical comprehension sites were identified for all patients. Apart from one case presenting with transient worsening of aphasic symptoms, pre-existing language deficits did not aggravate if results were used for subsequent surgical planning. CONCLUSION Employing this new comprehension-based nTMS setup allowed to identify language relevant cortical sites in all healthy subjects and severely aphasic patients who were thus far precluded from classic production-based mapping. This pilot study, moreover, provides first indications that the CompreTAP mapping results may support the preservation of residual language function if used for subsequent surgical planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Kram
- Department of Neurosurgery, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Germany; Department of Neurosurgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ann-Katrin Ohlerth
- Department of Neurosurgery, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Germany; Neurobiology of Language Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Sebastian Ille
- Department of Neurosurgery, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Germany; TUM Neuroimaging Center, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Germany; Department of Neurosurgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Meyer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Germany
| | - Sandro M Krieg
- Department of Neurosurgery, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Germany; TUM Neuroimaging Center, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Germany; Department of Neurosurgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Germany.
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Bastiaanse R, Ohlerth AK. Presurgical Language Mapping: What Are We Testing? J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13030376. [PMID: 36983558 PMCID: PMC10055827 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13030376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are brain tumors infiltrating healthy cortical and subcortical areas that may host cognitive functions, such as language. If these areas are damaged during surgery, the patient might develop word retrieval or articulation problems. For this reason, many glioma patients are operated on awake, while their language functions are tested. For this practice, quite simple tests are used, for example, picture naming. This paper describes the process and timeline of picture naming (noun retrieval) and shows the timeline and localization of the distinguished stages. This is relevant information for presurgical language testing with navigated Magnetic Stimulation (nTMS). This novel technique allows us to identify cortical involved in the language production process and, thus, guides the neurosurgeon in how to approach and remove the tumor. We argue that not only nouns, but also verbs should be tested, since sentences are built around verbs, and sentences are what we use in daily life. This approach’s relevance is illustrated by two case studies of glioma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roelien Bastiaanse
- University of Groningen, P.O. Box 716, 9700 AS Groningen, The Netherlands
- Correspondence:
| | - Ann-Katrin Ohlerth
- Neurobiology of Language Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, P.O. Box 310, 6500 AH Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Ntemou E, Svaldi C, Jonkers R, Picht T, Rofes A. Verb and sentence processing with TMS: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Cortex 2023; 162:38-55. [PMID: 36965338 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2023.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has provided relevant evidence regarding the neural correlates of language. The aim of the present study is to summarize and assess previous findings regarding linguistic levels (i.e., semantic and morpho-syntactic) and brain structures utilized during verb and sentence processing. To do that, we systematically reviewed TMS research on verb and sentence processing in healthy speakers, and meta-analyzed TMS-induced effects according to the region of stimulation and experimental manipulation. Findings from 45 articles show that approximately half of the reviewed work focuses on the embodiment of action verbs. The majority of studies (60%) target only one cortical region in relation to a specific linguistic process. Frontal areas are most frequently stimulated in connection to morphosyntactic processes and action verb semantics, and temporoparietal regions in relation to integration of sentential meaning and thematic role assignment. A meta-analysis of 72 effect sizes of the reviewed papers indicates that TMS has a small overall effect size, but effect sizes for anterior compared to posterior regions do not differ for semantic or morphosyntactic contrasts. Our findings stress the need to increase the number of targeted areas, while using the same linguistic contrasts in order to disentangle the contributions of different cortical regions to distinct linguistic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Effrosyni Ntemou
- International Doctorate for Experimental Approaches to Language and Brain (IDEALAB), University of Groningen (NL), University of Potsdam (DE), Newcastle University (UK), Macquarie University (AU), the Netherlands; Centre for Language and Cognition Groningen (CLCG), University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of Neurosurgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Cheyenne Svaldi
- International Doctorate for Experimental Approaches to Language and Brain (IDEALAB), University of Groningen (NL), University of Potsdam (DE), Newcastle University (UK), Macquarie University (AU), the Netherlands; Centre for Language and Cognition Groningen (CLCG), University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Roel Jonkers
- Centre for Language and Cognition Groningen (CLCG), University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Thomas Picht
- Department of Neurosurgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Cluster of Excellence: "Matters of Activity. Image Space Material", Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany
| | - Adrià Rofes
- Centre for Language and Cognition Groningen (CLCG), University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
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Natalizi F, Piras F, Vecchio D, Spalletta G, Piras F. Preoperative Navigated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: New Insight for Brain Tumor-Related Language Mapping. J Pers Med 2022; 12:1589. [PMID: 36294728 PMCID: PMC9604795 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12101589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Preoperative brain mapping methods are particularly important in modern neuro-oncology when a tumor affects eloquent language areas since damage to parts of the language circuits can cause significant impairments in daily life. This narrative review examines the literature regarding preoperative and intraoperative language mapping using repetitive navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rnTMS) with or without direct electrical stimulation (DES) in adult patients with tumors in eloquent language areas. The literature shows that rnTMS is accurate in detecting preexisting language disorders and positive intraoperative mapping regions. In terms of the region extent and clinical outcomes, rnTMS has been shown to be accurate in identifying positive sites to guide resection, reducing surgery duration and craniotomy size and thus improving clinical outcomes. Before incorporating rnTMS into the neurosurgical workflow, the refinement of protocols and a consensus within the neuro-oncology community are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Natalizi
- Laboratory of Neurophychiatry, IRCSS Santa Lucia Fundation, Via Ardeatina 306, 00134 Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
- PhD Program in Behavioral Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Piras
- Laboratory of Neurophychiatry, IRCSS Santa Lucia Fundation, Via Ardeatina 306, 00134 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Vecchio
- Laboratory of Neurophychiatry, IRCSS Santa Lucia Fundation, Via Ardeatina 306, 00134 Rome, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Spalletta
- Laboratory of Neurophychiatry, IRCSS Santa Lucia Fundation, Via Ardeatina 306, 00134 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Piras
- Laboratory of Neurophychiatry, IRCSS Santa Lucia Fundation, Via Ardeatina 306, 00134 Rome, Italy
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Ward E, Brownsett S, McMahon K, Hartwigsen G, Mascelloni M, de Zubicaray G. Online transcranial magnetic stimulation reveals differential effects of transitivity in left inferior parietal cortex but not premotor cortex during action naming. Neuropsychologia 2022; 174:108339. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2022.108339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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Modern Developments in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: The Editorial. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12050628. [PMID: 35625014 PMCID: PMC9139526 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12050628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
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Ohlerth AK, Bastiaanse R, Nickels L, Neu B, Zhang W, Ille S, Sollmann N, Krieg SM. Dual-Task nTMS Mapping to Visualize the Cortico-Subcortical Language Network and Capture Postoperative Outcome-A Patient Series in Neurosurgery. Front Oncol 2022; 11:788122. [PMID: 35127493 PMCID: PMC8814635 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.788122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Perioperative assessment of language function in brain tumor patients commonly relies on administration of object naming during stimulation mapping. Ample research, however, points to the benefit of adding verb tasks to the testing paradigm in order to delineate and preserve postoperative language function more comprehensively. This research uses a case series approach to explore the feasibility and added value of a dual-task protocol that includes both a noun task (object naming) and a verb task (action naming) in perioperative delineation of language functions. Materials and Methods Seven neurosurgical cases underwent perioperative language assessment with both object and action naming. This entailed preoperative baseline testing, preoperative stimulation mapping with navigated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (nTMS) with subsequent white matter visualization, intraoperative mapping with Direct Electrical Stimulation (DES) in 4 cases, and postoperative imaging and examination of language change. Results We observed a divergent pattern of language organization and decline between cases who showed lesions close to the delineated language network and hence underwent DES mapping, and those that did not. The latter displayed no new impairment postoperatively consistent with an unharmed network for the neural circuits of both object and action naming. For the cases who underwent DES, on the other hand, a higher sensitivity was found for action naming over object naming. Firstly, action naming preferentially predicted the overall language state compared to aphasia batteries. Secondly, it more accurately predicted intraoperative positive language areas as revealed by DES. Thirdly, double dissociations between postoperatively unimpaired object naming and impaired action naming and vice versa indicate segregated skills and neural representation for noun versus verb processing, especially in the ventral stream. Overlaying postoperative imaging with object and action naming networks revealed that dual-task nTMS mapping can explain the drop in performance in those cases where the network appeared in proximity to the resection cavity. Conclusion Using a dual-task protocol for visualization of cortical and subcortical language areas through nTMS mapping proved to be able to capture network-to-deficit relations in our case series. Ultimately, adding action naming to clinical nTMS and DES mapping may help prevent postoperative deficits of this seemingly segregated skill.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Katrin Ohlerth
- Center for Language and Cognition Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.,International Doctorate in Experimental Approaches to Language and Brain (IDEALAB, Universities of Groningen, Potsdam, Newcastle, and Macquarie University), Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Roelien Bastiaanse
- Center for Language and Brain, Higher School of Economics, National Research University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Lyndsey Nickels
- School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Beate Neu
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Ille
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Nico Sollmann
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany.,Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,TUM-Neuroimaging Center, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sandro M Krieg
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,TUM-Neuroimaging Center, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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de Aguiar V, Rofes A. The noun-verb distinction. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2022; 187:245-262. [PMID: 35964975 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-823493-8.00006-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The comparison between nouns and verbs has been a topic of interest for many researchers over the last 50 years. This comparison, and subsequent behavioral and (partly) anatomic dissociation, has allowed researchers to delve into many topics including the behavioral architecture of the language system and its neural correlates, the underlying nature of the linguistic impairment in individuals with different neurologic disorders, the assessment of language treatment protocols, and the proposal of new protocols aimed to protect the language system of individuals undergoing surgery for brain tumors and epilepsy. Specific to the left temporal lobe, classic accounts have shown its relevance for the processing of nouns and less for the processing of verbs. Nonetheless, more recent accounts indicate that different areas in the left temporal lobe can subserve different functions for the processing of both nouns and verbs. In this chapter, we outlined an overview of key findings of the study of nouns and verbs, with a particular focus on the left temporal lobe. This chapter contextualizes the literature on category-specific impairments and neural correlates of nouns and verbs with linguistic and psycholinguistic theories, and provides new ways to investigate and understand the intricacies of this comparison.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vânia de Aguiar
- Center for Language and Cognition Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands; Department of Neurolinguistics and Language Development, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Adrià Rofes
- Center for Language and Cognition Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands; Department of Neurolinguistics and Language Development, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Ohlerth AK, Bastiaanse R, Negwer C, Sollmann N, Schramm S, Schröder A, Krieg SM. Benefit of Action Naming Over Object Naming for Visualization of Subcortical Language Pathways in Navigated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation-Based Diffusion Tensor Imaging-Fiber Tracking. Front Hum Neurosci 2021; 15:748274. [PMID: 34803634 PMCID: PMC8603927 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.748274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Visualization of functionally significant subcortical white matter fibers is needed in neurosurgical procedures in order to avoid damage to the language network during resection. In an effort to achieve this, positive cortical points revealed during preoperative language mapping with navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (nTMS) can be employed as regions of interest (ROIs) for diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) fiber tracking. However, the effect that the use of different language tasks has on nTMS mapping and subsequent DTI-fiber tracking remains unexplored. The visualization of ventral stream tracts with an assumed lexico-semantic role may especially benefit from ROIs delivered by the lexico-semantically demanding verb task, Action Naming. In a first step, bihemispheric nTMS language mapping was administered in 18 healthy participants using the standard task Object Naming and the novel task Action Naming to trigger verbs in a small sentence context. Cortical areas in which nTMS induced language errors were identified as language-positive cortical sites. In a second step, nTMS-based DTI-fiber tracking was conducted using solely these language-positive points as ROIs. The ability of the two tasks’ ROIs to visualize the dorsal tracts Arcuate Fascicle and Superior Longitudinal Fascicle, the ventral tracts Inferior Longitudinal Fascicle, Uncinate Fascicle, and Inferior Fronto-Occipital Fascicle, the speech-articulatory Cortico-Nuclear Tract, and interhemispheric commissural fibers was compared in both hemispheres. In the left hemisphere, ROIs of Action Naming led to a significantly higher fraction of overall visualized tracts, specifically in the ventral stream’s Inferior Fronto-Occipital and Inferior Longitudinal Fascicle. No difference was found between tracking with Action Naming vs. Object Naming seeds for dorsal stream tracts, neither for the speech-articulatory tract nor the inter-hemispheric connections. While the two tasks appeared equally demanding for phonological-articulatory processes, ROI seeding through the task Action Naming seemed to better visualize lexico-semantic tracts in the ventral stream. This distinction was not evident in the right hemisphere. However, the distribution of tracts exposed was, overall, mirrored relative to those in the left hemisphere network. In presurgical practice, mapping and tracking of language pathways may profit from these findings and should consider inclusion of the Action Naming task, particularly for lesions in ventral subcortical regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Katrin Ohlerth
- Center for Language and Cognition Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.,International Doctorate for Experimental Approaches to Language and Brain (IDEALAB), University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Roelien Bastiaanse
- Center for Language and Brain, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia
| | - Chiara Negwer
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Nico Sollmann
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,TUM-Neuroimaging Center, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Severin Schramm
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Axel Schröder
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sandro M Krieg
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,TUM-Neuroimaging Center, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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