fMRI: Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Functional MRI (fMRI) is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based neuroimaging technique which allows us to detect the brain areas which are involved in a task, a process or an emotion.

Functional MRI sequence

Echo planar imaging (EPI), a fast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique, is used to sequentially acquire brain images every few seconds (TR = 2000 ms - 4000 ms) during several minutes.

fMRI Paradigm

During the fMRI image acquisitions, the patient is asked to alternatively perform several tasks or is stimulated to trigger several processes or emotions. Each of these conditions is repeated several times and can be separated by rest periods.The combination of these conditions is called a functional MRI paradigm. The stimuli are usually audio-visual but can involve more complex systems (odors, tastes,etc.). MR-compatible response pads are often used to get a feedback from the patient.

BOLD effect

The detection of brain areas which are used during a condition is based on the Blood Oxygenation Level Dependent (BOLD) effect. Read more about BOLD effect...

fMRI analysis

Thresholded functional MRI activation maps can be overlaid in color on a high resolution anatomical MR image.

Clinical fMRI: Clinical applications of functional MRI

• Presurgical mapping of eloquent brain areas (motor, language,...)

Read more about Clinical fMRI: Clinical applications of functional MRI

Research applications of functional MRI

• Mapping of complex functions (emotions, motor control, specialized language functions,...) in normal and pathological conditions
• Monitoring of treatment response
• Neuromarketing

Synonyms: functional MRI, functional magnetic resonance imaging, fMRI, functional imaging, brain mapping

Journals: Neuroimage, Human Brain Mapping

Description in other Languages:

• French: IRM fonctionnelle - IRMf