Cortical afterdischarge and functional response thresholds: results of extraoperative testing.

We have evaluated the afterdischarge thresholds and functional response thresholds in 21 patients with chronically implanted arrays of subdural electrodes. Afterdischarge thresholds varied from 2 to greater than 15 mA over the tested cortex, by as much as 12 mA in individual patients, and by as much as 12 mA between adjacent electrodes. Thresholds for functional alteration varied from 2 to 15 mA in tested cortex, by as much as 9.5 mA in individually tested patients, and by as much as 6.5 mA between adjacent electrodes. We conclude that the optimal localization of functional cortical areas requires different stimulation intensities at different points. The use of too high an intensity would produce afterdischarges at some positions. The use of too low an intensity would falsely make others appear functionally "silent."