Concurrent EEG and fMRI Studies in Human Brain Activity R01-EB002459
By combining the high spatial resolution of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with the high temporal resolution of electroencephalography, preliminary data shows it is possible to obtain non-invasive spatiotemporal maps of cerebral activity.
In this collaboration between NCIGT neurosurgery investigators and the Massachusetts General Hospital, hardware, software, and analysis techniques are being developed that allow concurrent EEG and fMRI recordings to be obtained safely and accurately for use in the intraoperative MRI systems at the BWH. Collaborating investigators have performed a series of simultaneous fMRI/EEG experiments that investigate the spatial location and temporal processing of event-related potentials in the human brain at MRI up to 7T and have also used instrumentation to study intracranial electrophysiologic events in monkeys with concurrent fMRI.
Ultimately, in patients undergoing awake surgery for lesions in eloquent cortex, combined intracranial electrophysiology and fMRI will be collected during the performance of various cognitive tasks. Results can also help to develop an understanding of the brain basis of anesthesia.
This collaboration is moving into its next phase, after having received funding through the Department of Defense, to develop custom electrodes using metallic inks on biocompatible materials that will be tested on phantoms and ultimately become an MRI-compatible EEG device.