Functional Anatomic Relationship between Brain Stem Tumors and Cranial Motor Nuclei

Abstract

Pontine tumors push the CMN to around the tumor edge, suggesting that precise localization of CMN before tumor resection is necessary to avoid their damage. Medullary tumors grow more exophytically and compress the CMN ventrally. Understanding patterns of CMN displacement can help surgeons establish the surgical plan, minimize risks, and enable safer surgery of brain stem tumors.