Clinical fMRI |
Functional MRI (fMRI) is an advanced brain imaging technique that allows us to detect the brain area activated by a task. What are its clinical applications ? The main clinical application of functional MRI (fMRI) is the pre-operative detection of eloquent brain areas. Most neurosurgical interventions entails the removal of brain tissue. The challenge in tumor resection is to remove the tumor as extensively as possible (clear margin) while preserving the function of the adjacent areas. Whereas some cognitive deficit might be the price to pay to have the tumor removed, primary functions (motor, language) must be preserved as much as possible. Simple fMRI paradigms have therefore be designed to map these areas before the resection. These paradigms must be:
Block paradigms alternating an active task with rest periods are a good choice. See our fMRI paradigms for mapping of motor and language areas. |
