New brain scan could prevent facial paralysis in tumor surgery

This study tested a new type of MRI scan to see if it could accurately map the path of a key facial nerve before surgery to remove a non-cancerous brain tumor. The goal was to give surgeons a 'roadmap' to help avoid accidentally damaging the nerve during the operation, which can cause permanent facial weakness. The study involved 38 adult patients scheduled for this surgery, who received the special 10-minute MRI scan as part of their normal pre-surgery planning.