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Wada (Intracarotid Amobarbital) Procedure
Credit
CE:1.5
Description
Wada (Intracarotid Amobarbital) Procedure: Clinical Applications
Wada testing is an established method to lateralize language and memory functions prior to epilepsy surgery in an attempt to prevent postoperative aphasia and memory loss. Wada memory testing has also become useful in corroborating the side of seizure onset and assisting in the prediction of seizure-relief outcome. This webinar will describe in detail the current most widely utilized Wada testing protocol for assessing language and memory after amobarbital administration as well as the related angiography procedures and how to analyze results and make surgical recommendations. Discussion regarding potential confounding factors, such as angiographic cross-flow, fetal origin arteries, antiepileptic drugs that may reduce amobarbital potency, seizures during the procedure, and severe behavioral reactions will be reviewed. The pros and cons of using drugs other than amobarbital will be briefly considered and the status of the Wada in light of the newer, less invasive procedures, such as functional MRI and magnetoencephalography will also be covered.
Wada testing is an established method to lateralize language and memory functions prior to epilepsy surgery in an attempt to prevent postoperative aphasia and memory loss. Wada memory testing has also become useful in corroborating the side of seizure onset and assisting in the prediction of seizure-relief outcome. This webinar will describe in detail the current most widely utilized Wada testing protocol for assessing language and memory after amobarbital administration as well as the related angiography procedures and how to analyze results and make surgical recommendations. Discussion regarding potential confounding factors, such as angiographic cross-flow, fetal origin arteries, antiepileptic drugs that may reduce amobarbital potency, seizures during the procedure, and severe behavioral reactions will be reviewed. The pros and cons of using drugs other than amobarbital will be briefly considered and the status of the Wada in light of the newer, less invasive procedures, such as functional MRI and magnetoencephalography will also be covered.
After the webinar, participants will be able to:
- Describe the cognitive testing methods used to evaluate language and memory during the Wada procedure.
- Analyze common Wada test result patterns and apply them to surgical recommendations.
- List the major problems than can arise during the Wada and select procedures that help reduce their impact.
- List the medical diagnostic procedures that will most likely replace Wada testing eventually and describe their current shortcomings.
Instructional Level: Intermediate-to-Advanced