Background: Awake neurosurgery is currently the mainstay for eloquent brain lesions. Opting for an awake operation is affected by a number of patient-related factors. We present a case of a patient with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) that was successfully operated for a brain tumor through awake craniotomy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case in the literature.
Case description: A 42-year-old patient, with known ASD since his childhood, underwent awake craniotomy for a left supplementary motor area tumor. Detailed preoperative preparation of the patient was done to identify special requirements and establish a good patient-team relationship. Intraoperatively, continuous language and motor testing were performed. Conversation and music were the main distractors used. Throughout the operation, the patient remained calm and cooperative, even during a focal seizure. Mapping allowed for >80% resection of the tumor. Postoperatively, the patient recovered without any deficits.
Conclusion: This case shows that with growing experience and meticulous preparation, the limits of awake craniotomy can be expanded to include more patients that were previously considered unfit.
Keywords: Autism; Autistic spectrum disorder; Awake craniotomy; Brain mapping; Glioma; Neuro-oncology.
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