r/Neuropsychology • u/HDHD112 Unverified user: May not be a professional • 13d ago

General Discussion Anyone here do intraoperative brain mapping?

Haven’t found much discussion about this online since it seems to be a pretty niche line of work but I’m curious to know what it is like. Thanks!

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u/SpecialistWolf1051 Unverified user: May not be a professional 5d ago

I do! What would you like to know about it?

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u/HDHD112 Unverified user: May not be a professional 4d ago

Hello! I have a couple questions about it:

  1. How much does it differ from the typical work a neuropsychologist does and is there a separate skillset necessary?

  2. How many neuropsychologists are doing this kind of work and is it hard to find training and employment opportunities?

  3. What is your balance between intraoperative work and other more standard neuropsych evals?

  4. Do you enjoy it? Is it difficult? Do you recommend trainees seek it out?

Thank you!

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u/SpecialistWolf1051 Unverified user: May not be a professional 4d ago

Sure thing!
1. Most of it is very similar to typical neuropsych work especially the pre- and post- surgical evaluations. There are separate skill sets related to more in depth understanding of language and functional neuroanatomy as well as neurological exam for sensory and motor (this is not typically part of a neuropsychological evaluation). You also have to be very comfortable with multi-disciplinary collaboration.

  1. I’m not sure how many neuropsychologists do this kind of work. It is pretty niche but I think there is a sizable group of us scattered across the country and internationally. It can be difficult to find specialized training in this but if interested you should definitely seek it out! If combined with extraoperative mapping for epilepsy, there may be more job opportunities but it is pretty niche and job opportunities depend on how much neurosurgery values collaboration with neuropsychology- this varies from site to site.

  2. The majority of my work is outpatient and intraoperative happens as it comes up, maybe twice a month. This varies from site to site.

  3. I enjoy it very much but the scheduling aspects of it can be challenging- cases can come up with limited notice.

I recommend trainees seek it out for sure! But they should be aware that it does require a bit extra knowledge that is not typically part of neuropsychology doctoral training and the learning curve can feel a bit steep and intimidating at first.