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[Study of cerebral activity with functional magnetic resonance]
1Centro Diagnóstico Pedralbes, Resonancia Magnética, Barcelona.
Background:
Functional magnetic resonance is a new imaging method which allows the incruent observation of human cerebral activity. The authors describe their method of functional magnetic resonance and the results of cerebral activation.
Methods:
A total of 364 functional sequences were performed in 52 volunteers with a magnetic resonance system of 1.5 Tesla. A gradient echo sequence with a long echo time sensitive to the changes in oxygenation of venous blood was used. Different cortical areas were stimulated by visual, motor and language maneuvers and by complex mental operations.
Results:
Different cerebral areas representative of different levels of cerebral functional complexity were consistently activated and reproduced. Experiments of activation of primary cerebral cortex (visual and motor), premotor regions, specific area of language and areas of cortical association for cognitive operations are described.
Conclusions:
Functional magnetic resonance imaging is a sensitive method for the observation of cerebral activity and provides functional images with great spatial and temporal resolution. This may be useful in both clinical and basic investigation.