MRI measuring brain activation using BOLD contrast during tasks or at rest
Expansion
Functional MRI
Purpose
Maps eloquent cortex for pre-operative planning; assesses functional connectivity
Clinical Context
fMRI uses BOLD-sensitive sequences (gradient-echo EPI). Task-based fMRI shows activation maps; resting-state shows functional connectivity networks.
Related Terms
- BOLD
- Brain mapping
- Localisation
Key Points
- fMRI used pre-operatively to map motor, language, and visual cortex; helps predict post-operative deficits