Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI

Jess ft. Madi

What is fMRI?

Functional magnetic resonance imaging is a type of MRI scanning that assesses neural activity within the brain by producing images highlighting changes in blood flow.

Since the 1990s the technique has dominated neuroimaging research, as it doesn’t require ingestion of substances or exposure to radiation, and the images produced are of high resolution.

fMRI differs from MRI scanning in that it uses alterations in magnetization between oxygen-poor and oxygen-rich blood flow as its basic measure.

Strengths• - Images produced are high resolution.• - Does not require the ingestion of substances or

exposure to radiation.• - Brain activity can be presented graphically in order to

enhance understanding and is presented by color-coding the strength of activity in relevant brain structures.

• - Can be combined with data from other methods of non-invasive brain examinations (such as EGG readings and near-infrared spectroscopy to increase understanding of the biological mechanisms behind cognitive processes.

Weaknesses• - The procedure can often be affected by noise from various

sources; meaning complex statistical analysis is needed to decipher images, thus complicating the process.

• - As with MRI scanning, the scanning process can distress claustrophobics because it takes place in a confined space. The loud noises that are produced may also distress subjects, and some may experience unpleasant nerve-tingling sensations in the scanner.

• - Not recommended for those fitted with pacemakers.• - Increases in head can harm those with fevers, diabetes and

circulatory problems.• - Expensive technique compared to other methods.• - Requires a skilled analyst to interpret the images produced.• - Only examines blood flow and cannot analyze the activity of

individual nerve cells (which is vital for an advanced understanding of cognitive processing).

• - Technique often results in several brain structures ‘lighting up’, and the exact functions of each cannot be deduced.

Good definition:

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a form of brain scanning involving alterations in magnetization between oxygen-poor and oxygen-rich blood flow.