Exploring the Role of Specialist Physiotherapy in Awake Craniotomy Surgery for the Neuro-Oncology Patient

Abstract AIMS To describe the methods used to assess and monitor motor function during awake craniotomy surgery for tumour resection. METHOD A service review was carried out over 10 months. Patients with highly motor eloquent lesions – invasion of primary motor cortex or fronto-parietal connections involved in motor cognition – were included. Clinical notes were reviewed and summarised using descriptive analysis. Dexterity and grip strength were measured using 9-hole peg test and handheld dynameter pre/intra and post-operatively. Patient occupation/interests were reported to guide bespoke assessments to trial intra-operatively. RESULTS From April 2021 to January 2022, 13 patients (mean age 39.7 years, 4 female:10 male, 9 low grade:5 high grade gliomas) were included. Mean score 9-hole peg test 22.2sec pre-operatively, 30.6sec post-operatively; handheld dynameter 26.7kg pre-operatively, 18.4kg post-operatively. At discharge 5 of 7 impaired patients demonstrated motor improvement. For motor coordination, motor tasks used frequently included repetitive finger tapping, open/closed hand. Bespoke tasks included texting/writing, playing instruments, and computer games. Movement was closely monitored and verbal feedback given to the neurosurgeons throughout. With video analysis movement comparisons were made. CONCLUSION The role of physiotherapy in awake surgery is evolving to provide movement analysis for complex motor tasks such as upper limb sequencing and dexterity. A combination of standard and bespoke assessments have been trialled and their feasibility within surgery tested. A post-operative deterioration of motor function (power and cognition) is expected after surgery for highly eloquent motor gliomas. However, intraoperative motor assessment for motor cognition allows function preservation and potentiates its recovery.