[Functional MRI imaging in the detection of eloquent areas of the brain]

Functional magnetic resonance imaging--fMRI is a relative new magnetic resonance technique that may be used for identification of eloquent cortical areas. Gold standard for detection of eloquent areas that should be preserved subsequent to resection is a direct cortical stimulation, which is invasive and frequently difficult to be performed. On the other hand, fMRI has proved to be a promising alternative with good time and spatial resolution. The paper explains the method of the functional MR imagining, origins of the signal and its relation to the neuronal activation. fMRI technique is illustrated by the example of the motor cortex identification. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging--fMRI is a relatively new MR application that can be used for detection of eloquent areas of the brain. The gold standard for identifying eloquent areas of the brain to be avoided in resections is direct cortical stimulation, which is an invasive and difficult procedure. On the other hand fMRI shows great promise as noninvasive alternative to invasive brain mapping with good temporal and spatial resolution. This paper introduces the technique of fMRI, explain the origin of the signal and his connections with neural activations. An illustrative example of a motor activation study is described.