Resting-state fMRI: a review of methods and clinical applications

AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2013 Oct;34(10):1866-72. doi: 10.3174/ajnr.A3263. Epub 2012 Aug 30.

Abstract

Resting-state fMRI measures spontaneous low-frequency fluctuations in the BOLD signal to investigate the functional architecture of the brain. Application of this technique has allowed the identification of various RSNs, or spatially distinct areas of the brain that demonstrate synchronous BOLD fluctuations at rest. Various methods exist for analyzing resting-state data, including seed-based approaches, independent component analysis, graph methods, clustering algorithms, neural networks, and pattern classifiers. Clinical applications of resting-state fMRI are at an early stage of development. However, its use in presurgical planning for patients with brain tumor and epilepsy demonstrates early promise, and the technique may have a future role in providing diagnostic and prognostic information for neurologic and psychiatric diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Brain Mapping / methods*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Preoperative Care / methods*
  • Rest / physiology*