What is fMRI?

The functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a technique of medical examination that is based on BOLD (blood oxygen level dependent contrast). This method measures blood oxygenation levels in the entire brain area. It is established as an entirely safe, non-invasive method for nervous system examination. The method generates results that are characterized by exceptional spatial resolution.

The fMRI can accurately show which brain regions are engaged in an assignment given to the subject.

Since the nineties, when the fMRI method was developed, it is recognized as the most reliable of all methods of brain activity examination. Thanks to its superior accuracy it dominated other methods of brain imaging.

Due to a better understanding of the signal and optimization of signal acquisition, it didn’t take long to significantly improve the quality of the magnetic resonance.

Currently, there are technological solutions available which create new research opportunities and entry into completely new research areas. There are more devices that can be introduced into the magnetic field. Those devices enable better control and a wider range of stimuli, stimulation and recording of signals with a particular modality. The mutual communication between the patient and the medical examiner has also improved thanks to special answering panels, as well as headphones and microphones with active noise cancelation.

Introducing biosignals into a standard magnetic resonance examination may allow for better monitoring of the patient (eg. emotional state or muscle activity), or even his or her engagement in the examination. Such practice allows for isolation of important data which leads to valuable results.