Neuron published the study.
Here are seven highlights:
1. The researchers cooled small brain areas to “temporarily interrupt their workings and map the areas required for word formation and the timing of speech,” according to The Guardian.
2. Michael Long, PhD, developed the new technique. Dr. Long cooled 42 brain regions in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.
3. The patients were under local anesthetic, and asked to say the days of the week, so researchers could examine speech function while they cooled the regions.
4. The study found cooling impacted some patients’ ability to speak. Once the researchers removed the cooling device, the speech patterns returned to normal.
5. The parts of the brain associated with speech are mostly in the left hemisphere.
6. The researchers discovered how the brain produces speech. Cooling the left motor cortex altered the quality of speech and cooling Broca’s Area altered the timing of speech.
7. The study authors concluded cooling is a safe technique for protecting brain centers during neurosurgery.
More articles on spine:
5 key notes on ocular radiation exposure during minimally invasive spine surgery
Dr. Fred Sweet serves visiting professor to University of Pennsylvania — 5 observations
The race to the White House: Spine surgeons weigh in on candidates’ healthcare strategy
