Over the last two decades we have seen dramatic improvements in the way we can image the human brain and estimate the location of critical functional networks. In certain patients with brain tumors, direct electrostimulation (DES) mapping used during awake resection surgeries has revealed direct links between these networks and their function, helping to identify and spare cortical epicentres which are critical for a range of functions (language, executive functions, visuospatial processing,…) and to a lesser extent, complex emotions like theory of mind.

Awake craniotomy is a valuable surgical technique used to identify and protect crucial brain functions during the removal of primary brain tumors. This procedure can be conducted with minimal complications and failures. The precise mapping of functional areas, especially in adult low-grade glioma cases, has led to improved long-term patient quality of life. This innovative approach, which allows for the mapping of brain connections, has shifted our understanding of brain organization from a modular perspective to a more comprehensive meta-network view. This enhanced understanding of the connectome has improved the risk-benefit ratio of surgery, making intraoperative awake surgery more effective. It also aids in mapping and monitoring non-speaking areas, provides better preoperative information, enables the selection of surgical tasks tailored to the patient's preferences, and facilitates oncological resection surgery with disconnection. This approach allows for an individualized multiphase surgical strategy that can lead to resection of critical areas without compromising the patient's cognitive and emotional functions, thus preserving their quality of life.

The purpose of this Research Topic is to analyze new research approaches of cognitive and emotional neuropsychological assessments for pre and intraoperative awake surgery to improving quality of life of patients, as well as to analyze lower morbidity, analyze the effects of emerging technology on primary brain tumors, highlight the value of awake craniotomies and neuropsychological assessments during surgery, and highlight the significance of brain connectomics during white matter dissection.

Original research on topics including, but not limited to the below list, are welcomed:
- Mapping of cognitive and/or emotional networks: connectome.
- Neuropsychological assessments pre, intra (to test, detect, and protect, higher cognitive and/or emotional functions) or post awake surgery.
- Non-invasively techniques to map cognitive and emotional networks.
- Virtual Reality to analyze cognition and emotion.
- Neurorehabilitation. Quality of life and wellbeing.
- Neuroplasticity processes in brain gliomas or other neurological diseases. Dynamic reorganizations of individual cortical maps.

We encourage researchers to send manuscripts of their work (e.g., empirical studies, literature reviews, theoretical/methodological articles, case studies using either quantitative/qualitative approaches) to be considered for publication in this Research Topic.

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Frontiers in Psychology

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