Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Clinical Setting

Abstract

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a relatively new imaging modality used to measure the blood oxygen levels in the brain. Task-based and resting-state fMRI are two different methods used. When a specific task is performed, there is an increase in oxygenated blood flow to the active area, providing a map to aid in the resection of a lesion in the brain without damaging vital brain tissue. Resting-state fMRI is done to assess altered connectivity of regions of the brain, specifically for patients with a mental illness. This paper discusses the major uses of fMRI in the clinical setting, including preoperative mapping for brain tumors and assessing the connectivity of networks in the brain for patients suffering from Alzheimer disease and epilepsy. Research and clinical studies have proved that this imaging modality is becoming vital in surgical planning and in predicting postoperative deficits for each patient.