Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026
Making MR Imaging Child's Play - Pediatric Neuroimaging Protocol, Guidelines and Procedure
Published on: July 30, 2009
Utility of functional MRI in pediatric neurology
Emily R Freilich1, William D Gaillard
1Department of Neurosciences, Children's National Medical Center, 111 Michigan Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC, 20010, USA. efreilic@cnmc.org
Insights
Functional MRI (fMRI) is a valuable tool for studying brain development in children, aiding in the understanding of both typical and atypical development in conditions like ADHD and autism.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pediatric Neurology
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Functional MRI (fMRI) has been widely used in adult research for nearly 15 years.
- Its application in pediatric neurology is more recent but rapidly growing.
- fMRI offers insights into cognitive function and brain development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the background and evolution of fMRI in pediatric research.
- To highlight recent advancements and clinical applications of fMRI in children.
- To explore the utility of fMRI in understanding the developing brain.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on fMRI in pediatrics.
- Discussion of technological advances, including resting-state functional connectivity.
- Examination of passive task designs for sedated children.
Main Results:
- fMRI is increasingly utilized in pediatric neurology for studying normal and abnormal development.
- Advancements like resting-state connectivity and passive task designs enhance pediatric fMRI utility.
- The technique is crucial for understanding brain function in conditions such as epilepsy, ADHD, and autism.
Conclusions:
- fMRI is a powerful tool for pediatric neurology, offering insights into the developing brain.
- Technological innovations have expanded the application of fMRI in pediatric populations.
- Further research and clinical applications are expected to grow.
Abstract:
Functional MRI (fMRI), a tool increasingly used to study cognitive function, is also an important tool for understanding not only normal development in healthy children, but also abnormal development, as seen in children with epilepsy, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and autism. Since its inception almost 15 years ago, fMRI has seen an explosion in its use and applications in the adult literature. However, only recently has it found a home in pediatric neurology. New adaptations in study design and technologic advances, especially the study of resting state functional connectivity as well as the use of passive task design in sedated children, have increased the utility of functional imaging in pediatrics to help us gain understanding into the developing brain at work. This article reviews the background of fMRI in pediatrics and highlights the most recent literature and clinical applications.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Magnetic Resonance Imaging
01:14Brain Imaging
These technologies include computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT scans), positron-emission tomography (PET scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).