Functional MRI is a valid noninvasive alternative to Wada testing

► The probability of naming and verbal memory deficits after anterior temporal lobectomy increases with the degree of language lateralization to the operated hemisphere. ► Preoperative fMRI language lateralization improves the accuracy of outcome prediction relative to other noninvasive indicators alone. ► The addition of Wada language and memory test results does not improve accuracy relative to using fMRI alone.