Functional MRI

The objective of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is to map active areas of the brain corresponding to specific tasks or stimuli. Interest in fMRI is growing rapidly since it is noninvasive, provides excellent resolution, and can be performed on widely available instrumentation. Therefore, fMRI can be expected to play an increasing role in the neurosciences, as well as clinically in the diagnosis and therapy of brain disorders. This book provides a detailed account of the principles, methods, and applications of fMRI. The bulk of this book is devoted to clarification of the relation between brain physiology and MR signal. Applications of fMRI in the neurosciences, emerging clinical uses, and combined application with other modalities are also explored. TOC: 45 chapters in the sections: General Physiology, Perfusion-Based Functional MRI, Flow-Based Functional MRI, Susceptibility Contrast-Based Functional MRI, Scanning Techniques for BOLD Functional MRI, Spatial and Temporal Resolution of BOLD, Incompletely Understood BOLD Contrast Observations, Data Processing and Practical Issues, Research Applications, Synergistic Use of Functional MRI and Other Functional Imaging Modalities, Clinical Applications; Subject Index, List of Contributors