Background: Prior to its recent introduction into Canadian neurosurgical curriculum, Competence by Design (CBD) principles have been implemented across many international neurosurgical training programs for several years. As such, comparing other international competency-based educational frameworks and curricula can help anticipate, avoid or mitigate potential future challenges for Canadian neurosurgical trainees. Methods: A comparative web-based analysis of neurosurgical postgraduate medical education documents and resources provided by medical accreditation and regulatory bodies of Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and Australasia, was performed. Results: All four countries varied considerably across four major curriculum-based themes: 1) general program structure; 2) overarching foundational competency frameworks; 3) types and numbers of performance assessments required and; 4) curricular learning outcomes. In particular, the expected progression and degree of competence required of neurosurgical residents when performing entrustable professional activities (EPAs) or defined tasks of neurosurgical practice, varied across all countries. Differences in types of neurosurgical EPAs and number of required assessments demonstrating a trainee’s competence achievement were also appreciated. Conclusions: This study revealed variations across competency-based neurosurgical curricula proposed by four international medical training regulatory bodies. Differences in types of EPAs and their required degree of competence achievement suggests potential disconnects between neurosurgical educational outcomes and actual medical practice.

Background: To improve accountability and reflect patient and societal needs, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada proposed Competence by Design (CBD) for all residency programs. This study compares neurosurgical patient values and expectations of their neurosurgeon to resident competences proposed by CBD curriculum. Methods: Semi-structured interviews of 30 neurosurgical patients and family members were recorded, transcribed and analyzed for themes. Results: Of the first 13 interviews (8 males, 5 females; median age 54), 10 had English as a first language, all completed post-secondary education, and 8 had a brain tumor. In addition to expecting excellent surgical skills and comprehensive medical knowledge, participants expected “good” neurosurgeons to be human (compassionate, empathetic, no ego), transparent communicators, accountable, passionate, collaborative, emotionally composed and highly intuitive. However, there were marked differences in minimum set of competencies required and the expectations of the thresholds to determine competence for neurosurgeons. Conclusions: Patient perspectives show commonalities and marked differences of the expected competencies compared to CBD and significant variability of the thresholds of competence. Further investigations should explore these themes in other specialties. The existing CBD curriculum will need to expand its framework to include humanistic values to improve public perceptions of competence.

Background: Microsurgical techniques remain a cornerstone of neurosurgical training. Despite this, neurosurgical microvascular case volumes are decreasing as endovascular and minimally invasive options expand. As such, educators are looking towards simulation to supplement operative exposure. We review a single institution’s experience with a comprehensive, longitudinal microsurgical simulation training program, and evaluate its effectiveness. Methods: Consecutive postgraduate year 2 (PGY-2) neurosurgery residents completed a one-year curriculum spanning 17 training sessions divided into 5 modules of increasing fidelity. Both perfused duck wing and live rat femoral vessel training modules were used. Trainee performance was video recorded and blindly graded using the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills Global Rating Scale. Results: Eighteen participants completed 107 microvascular anastomoses during the study. There was significant improvement in six measurable skills during the curriculum. Mean overall score was significantly higher on the fifth attempt compared to the first attempt for all 3 live anastomotic modules (p<0.001). Each module had a different improvement profile across the skills assessed. The greatest improvement was observed during artery-to-artery anastomosis. Conclusions: This high-fidelity microsurgical simulation curriculum demonstrated a significant improvement in the six microneurosurgical skills assessed, supporting its use as an effective teaching model. Transferability to the operative environment is actively being investigated.

Background: Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural stem cells (hiPS-NSCs) are a promising therapeutic approach to regenerate after spinal cord injury (SCI) as they can differentiate to myelinating oligodendrocytes, synaptically-active neurons, and supportive astrocytes. Unfortunately, most chronically injured patients develop ex vacuo microcystic cavitations which prevent regenerative cell migration and neurite outgrowth. QL6 is a novel, pH-neutral, biomaterial which can self-assembles into a supportive extracellular matrix (ECM)-like matrix in vivo. This work assesses QL6’s ability to support hiPS-NSC-based regeneration. Methods:In Vitro:hiPS-NSCs were extensively characterized by EDTA assay, qPCR, and immunocytochemistry(ICC), electron microscopy(EM) and neurosphere formation assays. In Vivo:Immunodeficient rats received clinically-relevant chronic C6-7 injuries. Animals were randomized: (1)vehicle, (2)hiPS-NSCs, (3)QL6, (4)QL6+hiPS-NSCs. All rats underwent treadmill rehabilitation and behavioural testing. A subset underwent single-cell RNA sequencing(scRNAseq). Results: hiPS-NSCs proliferated robustly on QL6(Ki67+/DAPI+; 29%vs6%; p<0.01). EDTA assay showed hiPS-NSC binding to QL6 to be driven by calcium-independent mechanisms. Importantly, QL6 enhanced adherent neurosphere formation. EM-imaging provided the first images of the hiPS-NSC/QL6 interaction. Behavioural assessments demonstrate synergistic improvements with combinatorial treatment. High-throughput scRNAseq differential gene expression analyses suggest QL6 is altering lineage signalling in the human graft post-transplantation. Conclusions: This work provides key proof-of-concept data that QL6 can support translationally-relevant human iPS-NSCs in traumatic SCI.

Background: Placement of an external ventricular drain is considered a simple yet fundamental procedure. Despite its wide practice, an inaccuracy rate of around 50% has been reported. In the trauma setting, targeting the ventricles with a blind freehand technique is challenging due to distorted anatomy. Failure to cannulate lead to multiple passes with a higher risk of complications. Methods: A retrospective study from a single institution was conducted using a trauma registry between March-2014 and March-2019 were included. Accuracy of EVD placement was determined using the Kakarla grading system Results: 224 TBI patients with total of 241 EVDs were performed, 211 met our criteria. Among them, Grade-1 (optimal placement) was achieved in 39.3%, Grade-2 (suboptimal in non-eloquent tissue) in 21.8% and Grade-3 (suboptimal in eloquent tissue) in 38.9%. A total of 74 EVDs were inserted in the intensive care unit, while 137 EVDs were inserted in the operating room. Our accuracy for ICU insertions was 50%, 25.7%, 24.3% for Grades1,2 and3 respectively, while our OR insertion accuracy was 33.6%,19.7%,and46.7% Conclusions: EVD is commonly performed, yet a substantial rate of inaccuracy is reported. This highly suggests the need to improve accuracy, possibly with the adjunct of image-guided techniques, to further optimize catheter placement

Background: Intoxicated patients injured in off road vehicle (ORV) crashes have higher rates of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and intensive care unit (ICU) admission, as well as prolonged ICU length of stay. This study evaluated the impact of alcohol intoxication on mortality among major TBI patients injured in off-road vehicle crashes. Methods: A retrospective analysis (2002-2014) of off-road vehicle injuries in Nova Scotia resulting in major TBI was performed. ORVs included ATVs, snowmobiles, and dirt bikes. A logistic regression model was constructed to test for in-hospital mortality and adjusted for age, Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) Head, Injury Severity Score, and blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Results: There were 176 drivers and passengers of off-road vehicles. Overall mortality was 28%. BAC testing was performed in 61% patients; 85% of pre-hospital deaths were BAC positive (mean BAC=31 ± 17.39 mmol/L) and 70% in-hospital deaths were BAC positive (mean BAC=26 ± 23.12 mmol/L). After adjusting for confounders, high injury severity and intoxication increased the likelihood of in-hospital mortality. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that alcohol intoxication is a significant risk factor for mortality among off-road vehicle collisions; for every mmol/L change in BAC, there was a 10% increase in the chance of in-hospital mortality.

Background: Repetitive sub-concussive head impacts have been associated with changes in brain architecture and neurological symptoms. In this study, we examined the association between repetitive sub-concussive impacts, impact burden, and blood brain barrier (BBB) integrity in university football players. Methods: 59 university football players were followed over the 2019 season. Athletes with diagnosed concussion and those sustaining impacts that alerted a sideline impact monitor (relayed by ferroelectric helmet sensors) underwent dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) within one week of injury/alert, and 4 weeks following initial incident. Results: Helmets recorded 2648 impacts over 48 cumulative hours. 8 concussions occurred during the 2019 season (2.82 per 1000 activity hours). On average, athletes with a diagnosed concussion had 55.3 impacts to the front sensor, compared to 14.1 in non-concussed athletes. Athletes who consented to DCE-MRI (n=5) had 10.78% BBB-D within a week of concussion/alert, and 6.77% BBB-D at 4-weeks. Conclusions: We show quantification of BBB integrity relative to head impact burden for the first time. This preliminary study highlights the potential of impact-detecting helmets to provide relevant impact characteristics and offers a foundation for future work on neurological consequences of repetitive sub-concussive impacts.

Background: Disruption in cerebrovascular reactivity following traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a known phenomenon that may hold prognostic value. Transcranial Doppler (TCD) has been employed to evaluate cerebrovascular reactivity following injury utilizing a continuous time-series approach. Methods: A systematically conducted scoping review of the literature on the association of continuous time-domain TCD based indices of cerebrovascular reactivity, with outcomes following moderate and severe TBI was performed. Multiple databases were searched from inception to November 2020 for relevant articles. Results: Thirty-six relevant articles were identified. There was significant evidence supporting an association with continuous time-domain TCD based indices and functional outcomes following TBI. Physiologic parameters such as intracranial pressure, cerebral perfusion pressure, Carbon Dioxide (CO2) reactivity as well as more established indices of cerebrovascular reactivity have all been associated with these TCD based indices. The literature has been concentrated in a few centres and is further limited by the lack of multivariate analysis. Conclusions: There is a substantial body of evidence that cerebrovascular reactivity as measured by time-domain TCD based indices have prognostic utility following TBI. The literature supports some associations between these indices and cerebral physiologic parameters. Further validation in multi-institution studies is required before these indices can be widely adopted clinically.

Background: Clinical guidelines recommend MAP maintenance at 85-90 mmHg to optimize spinal cord perfusion post-SCI. Recently, there has been increased interest in spinal cord perfusion pressure as a surrogate marker for spinal cord blood flow. The study aims to determine the congruency of subdural and intramedullary spinal cord pressure measurements at the site of SCI, both rostral and caudal to the epicenter of injury. Methods: Seven Yucatan pigs underwent a T5 to L1 laminectomy with intramedullary (IM) and subdural (SD) pressure sensors placed 2 mm rostral and 2 mm caudal to the epicenter of SCI. A T10 contusion SCI was performed followed by an 8-hour period of monitoring. Axial ultrasound images were captured at the epicenter of injury pre-SCI, post-SCI, and hourly thereafter. Results: Pigs with pre-SCI cord to dural sac ratio (CDSR) of >0.8 exhibited greater occlusion of the subdural space post-SCI with a positive correlation between IM and SD pressure rostral to the injury and a negative correlation caudal to the epicenter. Pigs with pre-SCI CDSR <0.8 exhibited no correlation between IM and SD pressure. Conclusions: Congruency of IM and SD pressure is dependent on compartmentalization of the spinal cord occurring secondary to swelling that occludes the subdural space.

Background: Neurotrauma accounts for over 24 000 hospitalizations annually in Canada. Among those affected, Indigenous peoples are disproportionately impacted. The goal of this scoping review is to identify factors underlying these disparities. Methods: A scoping review was conducted to collect papers pertaining to neurotrauma in Indigenous populations of Canada. Using MEDLINE, 676 articles were screened with MeSH terms including ‘Indigenous’, ‘spinal cord injuries’, ‘brain injuries, traumatic’ and ‘Canada’ as of April 2021. Results: Studies report over twice the incidence of traumatic brain injury and traumatic spinal cord injury in Indigenous populations compared to non-Indigenous populations. The burden of neurotrauma is attributable to infrastructure disparities in rural communities and reserves, elevated rates of substance use and violence, and inequities in treatment and rehabilitation following injury. These issues are deeply rooted in the trauma endured by Indigenous peoples through the course of Canadian history, owing to government policies that severely impacted their socioeconomic conditions, culture, and access to healthcare services. Conclusions: Systems-level interventions guided by Indigenous community members will help to address the disparities that Indigenous peoples face in the care and rehabilitation of neurotrauma. This study will inform further research of culturally appropriate approaches to reduce neurotrauma burden among Indigenous peoples.

Background: Cerebral aneurysms are an unusal cause of epilepsy. To date, several groups have reported temporal lobe seizures caused by aneurysms projecting into the parahippocampal gyrus. Given the low incidence of posterior cerebral artery aneurysms, they are a very rare cause of temporal lobe seizures. Methods: Here, we report a rare case of temporal lobe epilepsy caused by an unruptured aneurysm. We also present a review of the literature yielding two similar cases. Results: A previosuly well 56 year old male presented to a neurologist with symptoms consistent with temporal lobe epilepsy. He was started on carbamzepine and underwent imaging and neuropsychological assessments. An MRI suggested the existance of a 7mm posterior cerebral artery aneurysm arising from the P2 segment of the posterior cerebral artery and projecting into the parahippocampal gyrus. This was also confirmed with CT angiography and the patient elected to have the aneurysm clipped. Conclusions: Temporal lobe epilepsy is an uncommon presentation for unruptured cerebral aneurysms. We report a rare case wherein a laterally pointing PCA aneurysm was buried in the posterior parahippocampal gyrus. This aneurysm had caused perifocal gliosis leading to stereotyped seizures. Post-operatively, the patient has been seizure free.

Background: Decisions to treat large-vessel occlusion with endovascular therapy(EVT) or intravenous alteplase depend on how physicians weigh benefits against risks when considering patients’ pre-stroke comorbidities. Methods: In an international survey, experts chose treatment approaches under current resources and under assumed ideal conditions for 10 of 22 randomly assigned case-scenarios. Five included comorbidities(metastatic/non-metastatic cancer, cardiac/respiratory/renal disease, non-disabling/mild cognitive impairment[MCI], physical dependence). We examined scenario/respondent characteristics associated with EVT/alteplase decisions using multivariable logistic regressions. Results: Among 607 physicians(38 countries), EVT was favoured in 1,097/1,379(79.6%) responses for comorbidity-related scenarios under current resources versus 1,510/1,657(91.1%,OR:0.38, 95%CI.0.31-0.47) for six “level-1A” scenarios (assuming ideal conditions:82.7% vs 95.1%,OR:0.25,0.19-0.33). However, this was reversed on including all other scenarios(e.g. under current resources:3,489/4,691[74.4%], OR:1.34,1.17-1.54). Responses favouring alteplase for comorbidity-related(e.g.75.0% under current resources) scenarios were comparable to level-1A scenarios(72.2%) and higher than all others(60.4%). No comorbidity-related factor independently diminished EVT-odds. MCI and dependence carried higher alteplase-odds; cancer and cardiac/respiratory/renal disease had lower odds. Relevant respondent characteristics included performing more EVT cases/year (higher EVT, lower alteplase-odds), practicing in East-Asia (higher EVT-odds), and in interventional neuroradiology(lower alteplase-odds vs neurology). Conclusions: Moderate-to-severe comorbidities did not consistently deter experts from EVT, suggesting equipoise about withholding EVT based on comorbidities. However, alteplase was often foregone when respondents chose EVT.

Background: Embolization represents a minimally invasive treatment modality for arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), tumors, aneurysms, and vessel sacrifice, but can be limited by currently available embolization agents. Discovery of new and improved agents could lead to better treatment outcomes. The goal of this project was to develop and test a novel embolization agent using hydrogels, a class of materials which may be bioengineered to suit a variety of indications. Methods: We devised a method of liquid hydrogel embolization with photo-modulated crosslinking for intravascular solidification, using a custom microcatheter set-up. We tested this in swine blood vessels (n=3), the swine renal arterial trees as a vascular tumor model (n=5), and the swine arterial-arterial networks of the rete mirabile as an AVM model (n=3). Hydrogel embolization was assessed for treatment efficacy and safety. Follow-up angiography was performed at 2-4 week intervals. Results: Hydrogel embolization was technically successful in all animals, with full occlusion of the vascular target immediately following embolization and at follow-up. There were no instances of clinical or angiographic complications. Conclusions: We demonstrated a novel method of dynamic photomodulation and delivery of bioengineered hydrogels to address current limitations of endovascular embolization therapies. This promising technology will be investigated further with longer-term comparative animal trials.

Background: Arterial Hemodynamics have been implicated in hemorrhage from cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). The correlation between hemodynamic characteristics and the tendency of AVMs to rupture has been explored in the past, and various theories have been proposed to explain the clinical presentation of AVMs as a hemorrhage vs. seizure. Methods: We monitored feeder artery pressures in 45 patients with AVMS (16 presenting with hemorrhage, 29 without) during super selective angiography and AVM embolization. Results: Mean feeder artery pressure (FP) was found to be 49mm Hg. The mean FP in patients presenting with hemorrhage was somewhat higher than in those without hemorrhage, but the difference was not statistically significant (53.8 mm Hg vs 47.0 mm Hg, p=0.13). Systemic mean pressure was found to correlate with AVM size (r=-0.31, p=0.037). Significant predictors of feeder artery pressure were systemic pressure, AVM size, and the distance of microcatheter from the circle of Willis. Meanwhile, the presence or absence of venous outflow stenosis and the position of the AVM nidus (superficial or deep to the cortical surface) were the most significant predictors of AVM hemorrhage vs seizures. Conclusions: Anatomic factors may be more important than arterial hemodynamic factors in determining the clinical presentation of cerebral AVMs.

Background: Competitive flow diversion (CFD) is a novel application of flow diversion stenting (FDS), redirecting flow into a normal artery proximal or distal to the aneurysmal parent artery. A classification system for CFD has not been previously reported. Methods: Report of operative technique and novel classification system for CFD. Results: A patient with subarachnoid haemorrhage and three aneurysms arising from the Pcomm-P1 complex, was treated with endovascular coiling and CFD. The PCOM aneurysm was coiled. Two aneurysms arose from the distal right P1- PCA. After a failed attempt to treat with FDS across the P1-PCA, the P1-aneurysms were successfully treated with CFD distal to the P1-PCA, from Pcomm to P2. Over 12 months, CFD redirected flow via ICA-Pcomm-P2, reducing the size of the P1-PCA, obliterating the P1-aneurysms. Herein, we classify competitive flow diversion into two types. Type I CFD is when the parent artery harbouring the aneurysm is “jailed” proximally. Type II CFD occurs when flow is diverted from the parent artery distal to the aneurysm origin. Conclusions: Herein, we propose a novel classification for CFD. We describe the first case of aneurysm occlusion in the circle of Willis with Type II CFD, and use of CFD for the treatment of multiple adjacent aneurysms.

Background: The promise of neuroprotection for stroke remains elusive. Common medications in endovascular stroke thrombectomy have putative neuroprotective mechanisms in basic science literature. We evaluated our stroke registry for evidence that these medications have any impact on clinically meaningful outcome. Methods: A retrospective stroke thrombectomy database was evaluated for clinical and angiographic outcomes of patients receiving IV or IA tPA, Heparin, or Verapamil during procedure. Univariate analysis evaluated associations with periprocedure hemorrhage, recanalization, and functional outcomes. Results: 284 patients underwent mechanical thrombectomy over 2.75 years. For periprocedural hemorrhage, IV tPA (OR 0.457, CI 0.261-0.811, p=0.008) and Heparin (1.897, CI 1.112-3.205, p=0.019) had significant relationships. No medication had impact on favorable recanalization (TICI 2b/3). Heparin had a negative impact on 90day mRS 0-2 (OR 0.563, CI 0.348-0.901, p=0.023). Favorable recanalization remains associated with favorable outcomes at 90days (OR 2.066, CI 1.063-4.069, p=0.0361). Conclusions: While the adjunctive use of 3 commonly used periprocedural medications have a logical role in the mechanical thrombectomy eg IA tPA for clot lysis, they do not have clinical benefit that represents neuroprotection. Multivariate analysis may show more effect. A role for intraarterial neuroprotective agents exists given only 45% of patients in this series achieved functional independence.

Background: A 3-year-old girl presented with a 6-day history of severe headaches. On examination, upper motor neuron signs were noted in the left upper and lower extremities with increased tone, reflexes, and a positive Babinski sign. MRI of the brain revealed a giant right middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysm with significant mass effect, associated with cerebral edema and ventricular effacement. CT and CT angiogram showed evidence of aneurysmal wall calcification and lamellar thrombosis within the aneurysmal sac. In addition, there was a smaller right MCA aneurysm in close proximity to the giant aneurysm. Methods: After a balloon occlusion test to assess collateral blood flow to the MCA territory, it was decided to treat both aneurysms with a flow diverting stent. Dual antiplatelet loading was done with aspirin and clopidogrel. The smallest available diameter of Pipeline Shield stent was deployed. Results: The patient remained neurologically unchanged. Early follow-up imaging demonstrated stent patency, reduced size and mass effect of the large aneurysm, reduced cerebral edema, and no flow into the smaller aneurysm. Conclusions: Flow diversion stenting may be employed successfully in pediatric patients, though has unique technical considerations including small size vessels and limited evidence for antiplatelet agent choice and dosing.

Background: Ischemic stroke occurs following trauma-related blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI) in up to 20% of cases. Preventative treatment includes antiplatelets, anticoagulants, and/or endovascular treatment (ET), but the optimal choice remains unclear. The objective of this study was to compare the ischemic stroke rate between these three treatments. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, we queried the OVID Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases from September 2019 to inception to identify studies reporting treatment-stratified outcomes in BCVI patients. Meta-analysis was performed to compare outcomes between the treatment groups, using odds ratios. Retrospective review of our institutional experience with BCVI outcomes was performed and added to the meta-analysis. Results: Analysis of seven comparative studies of antiplatelets (n=334) versus anticoagulation (n=325) found no significant difference in ischemic stroke rate (OR 1.27, 95%CI 0.40-3.99), but a decrease in hemorrhagic complications (OR 0.38, 95%CI 0.15-1.00). Analysis of seven comparative studies of antiplatelets/anticoagulants (n=805) versus ET (n=235) also found no significant difference in stroke rate (OR 0.71, 95%CI 0.35-1.42). Conclusions: Antiplatelets and anticoagulants were similarly effective in reducing ischemic stroke risk in BCVI, but antiplatelets were better tolerated in this trauma population. The addition of endovascular treatment did not further reduce stroke risk compared to antiplatelets or anticoagulants alone.

Background: Transcranial Doppler (TCD) measurements poorly predict vasospasm in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Variability descriptors of mean cerebral blood flow velocity (mean-CBFV) may improve this prediction. We assessed the feasibility of generating reliable mean-CBFV variability metrics using extended TCD recordings in aSAH patients and healthy controls. We also explored whether these parameters are capable to discriminate aSAH patients from healthy controls, and between patients with and without vasospasm. Methods: Bilateral mean-CBFV, systemic blood pressure and heart rate were recorded for 40 minutes in 3 groups: aSAH patients (n=8) within the first 5 days post-ictus, age-matched healthy controls (n=8) and young healthy controls (n=8). We obtained linear [standard deviations, coefficient of variations, very-low, low and high-frequency power-spectra] and non-linear [Fractality, deterministic Chaos analyses] variability metrics. Results: All TCD recordings provided consistent variability metrics. aSAH patients showed higher correlation dimensions, increased high-frequency spectral power, and decreased very-low frequency power than healthy controls. aSAH patients who developed vasospasm (n=3) showed higher mean-CBFV and lower coefficient of variations than those without vasospasm (n=5). Conclusions: Descriptors of mean-CBFV variability may distinguish between aSAH patients with and without vasospasm. Future studies are required to evaluate the role of these variability parameters for risk stratification in aSAH.

Background: The frontal aslant tract (FAT) is a recently discovered white-matter tract connecting the medial superior frontal gyrus to the inferior frontal gyrus. There is increasing evidence for its importance in speech initiation and production. Despite this, there remains limited evidence demonstrating clinical outcomes when lesioning this tract. Methods: Medical records for the case were reviewed. Imaging was exported and tractography was performed using 3D Slicer. Results: A 58-year-old female presented with a focal seizure and imaging demonstrating a left frontal extra-axial lesion. She underwent a left frontal craniotomy for tumour debulking and biopsy. The final pathology was consistent with a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Postoperatively, she presented with expressive aphasia without agraphia. She was able to write out answers to questions she could not verbalize. We used tractography to provide evidence of postoperative disruption to her left FAT. At a 6-week clinical follow-up, her language deficits were clinically resolved. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of aphasia without agraphia seen with disruption of the left FAT. Further elucidating clinical outcomes of disrupting the dominant FAT will aid in improved patient counselling, prognostication and neurosurgical planning. Further research is required to investigate the mechanisms underlying language recovery and handwriting.