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Simultaneous fMRI and Electrophysiology in the Rodent Brain
Published on: August 19, 2010
Correlating the alpha rhythm to BOLD using simultaneous EEG/fMRI: inter-subject variability
S I Gonçalves1, J C de Munck, P J W Pouwels
1VU University Medical Centre (Dpt. PMT), De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. sonia.gonscalves@netcabo.pt
Neuroimage
|November 18, 2005
Summary
The resting brain state varies significantly between individuals and even within a single person. Understanding this inter-subject variability in resting state electroencephalogram/functional magnetic resonance imaging (EEG/fMRI) is crucial for accurate fMRI data interpretation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Brain Imaging
Background:
- The alpha rhythm (8-12 Hz) is a key indicator of the brain's resting state.
- Resting state variability impacts functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) experiment outcomes.
- Inter-subject variability in resting state patterns is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate inter-subject variability in resting state brain activity.
- To identify blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) changes linked to alpha rhythm fluctuations.
- To explore the state dependency of resting state patterns.
Main Methods:
- Simultaneous electroencephalogram/functional magnetic resonance imaging (EEG/fMRI) recording.
- Analysis of spontaneous variations in alpha rhythm power.
- Correlation analysis between BOLD signal and alpha power across subjects.
Main Results:
- Three subjects showed negative BOLD-alpha power correlation in cortical areas, and positive correlation in thalamus.
- Two subjects displayed state-dependent correlation patterns.
- One subject exhibited only positive correlations, contradicting most findings.
Conclusions:
- Resting state brain activity exhibits significant inter-subject variability.
- Resting state can also vary within a single individual.
- Accounting for resting state variability is essential for robust fMRI research.
