OBJECT: The goal in this study was to highlight the potential of currently available imaging techniques for surgical planning of procedures in and around the limbic system. METHODS: The authors review traditional and newer imaging techniques as applied to neurosurgical planning. Today MR imaging techniques play a preponderant role. The various applications of functional techniques such as diffusion weighted, diffusion tensor, perfusion, and functional MR imaging methods are discussed. RESULTS: In addition to the high-resolution studies of anatomy that can be acquired, especially at higher field strengths ( ≥ 3 T), MR imaging now also offers the possibility of acquiring functional, metabolic, hemodynamic, and molecular information on normal and pathological brain processes. CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge obtained using the various imaging techniques contributes substantially to understanding the disease processes in a way that drastically improves surgical planning.