Abstract
Functional imaging based on magnetic resonance methods is a new research frontier
for exploring a wide range of central nervous system (CNS) functions, including information
processing in sensory, motor, cognitive, and linguistic systems. Being able to localize
and study human brain function in vivo, in relatively high resolution and in a noninvasive
manner, makes this a technique of unparalleled importance. In order to appreciate
and fully understand this area of investigation, a tutorial covering basic aspects
of this methodology is presented. We introduce functional magnetic resonance imaging
(fMRI) by providing an overview of the studies of different sensory systems in response
to modality-specific stimuli, followed by an outline of other areas that have potential
clinical relevance to the medical, cognitive, and communicative sciences. The discussion
then focuses on the basic principles of magnetic resonance methods including magnetic
resonance imaging, MR spectroscopy, fMRI, and the potential role that MR technology may play in understanding a wide range
of auditory functions within the CNS, including tinnitus-related activity. Because
the content of the material found herein might be unfamiliar to some, we provide a
broad range of background and review articles to serve as a technical resource.
Abbreviations: AL = anterior lateral, BOLD = blood oxygen level dependent, Cho = choline, CL = caudal
lateral, CNS = central nervous system, CR = creatine, EEG = electroencephalography,
EPI = echo planar imaging, ER = event related, ETS = echo-time shifting, fMRI = functional magnetic resonance imaging, FOV = field of view, G = Gauss, GET =
gaze-evoked tinnitus, GRE = gradient-recalled echo, MEG = magnetoencephalography,
ml = myo-inositol, ML = medial lateral, MRI = magnetic resonance imaging, MRS = magnetic
resonance spectroscopy, NAA = N-acetylaspartate, NMR = nuclear magnetic resonance,
PET = positron emission tomography, PRESTO = principles of echo shifting with a train
of observations, RF = radio frequency, ROI = regions of interest, SE = spin echo,
STEAM = short-TE stimulated echo acquisition mode, Τ = Tesla, TE = echo time, TR =
repetition time
Key Words
Auditory system - functional magnetic resonance imaging - hearing - magnetic resonance
spectroscopy - perception - phantom perception - tinnitus