Intracarotid amobarbital procedure for epilepsy surgery

► Functional MRI may often substitute for the intracarotid amobarbital test when lateralizing language. ► The intracarotid amobarbital test is more useful if atypical language representation is found with functional MRI. ► Functional MRI does not yet reliably predict memory decline after temporal lobectomy. ► Sensitivity of the intracarotid amobarbital test for predicting memory decline is uncertain. ► With significant bitemporal dysfunction, the intracarotid amobarbital test may clarify risk for amnesia.