J Korean Radiol Soc.  1992 Jun;28(3):339-344.

Wada test for evaluation of language and memory function inmedically intractable epilepsy

• Hong YK
• Chung TS
• Suh JH
• Kim DI
• Kim EK
• Lee BI
• Huh K

Abstract

The Wada test was performed for lateralization of language and memory function, using intracarotid injection of Sodium Amytal. But, the internal carotid artery(ICA) Wada test has some limitations for testing memory function. The posterior cerebral artery(PCA) Wade test has been designed to modify to modify the ICA Wada test for testing memory function selectively. In our study, 10 patients out of 12 patients with intractable seizure underwent only the ICA Wada test and the other 2 patients underwent both are ICA and the selective PCA Wada test In all 12 patients undergoing the ICA Wada test, we succesfully localized speech and language dominace. Four of 12 patients who underwent the ICA Wada test for evaluation of memory function displayed superior memory functions in one hemisphere, but the other hemisphere also significantly contributed to memory. The selective PCA Wada test, performed in 2 patients, showed successful results of memory function test in both patients. Four of 12 patients underwent temporal lobectomy and there was no major post-operative language or memory deficits. We conclude that the ICA and PCA Wada tests are useful for preoperative evaluation of medically intractable epilepsy, and the PCA Wada test is valuable in memory evaluation in some patients who have hight risk of postoperative global amnesia after temporal lobectomy following equivocal results of memory function by the ICA Wada test.

MeSH Terms

Amnesia
Amobarbital
Drug Resistant Epilepsy*
Humans
Memory Disorders
Memory*
Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis
Seizures
Amobarbital