1

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) Machines

Christina Rizk

University of Ottawa

Understanding Health Technology Signals (HSS3107 [A])

Dr. Luke Russell

March 10, 2023

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) machines are medical imaging devices that use

magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the brain in action. These

machines are used to detect changes in blood flow in the brain, which can help researchers and

clinicians understand how different parts of the brain are involved in various cognitive processes

and behaviors.

During an fMRI scan, the patient lies on a table that slides into a tube-shaped scanner. The

scanner creates a strong magnetic field around the patient, which causes the protons in the

patient's body to align with the magnetic field. The scanner then emits radio waves that cause

these protons to produce signals that can be detected by the scanner. The scanner uses these

signals to produce high-resolution images of the brain in real-time.

fMRI machines are commonly used in neuroscience research to investigate brain function and to

map brain activity during various tasks, such as language processing, memory retrieval, and

decision making. They are also used in clinical settings to diagnose and monitor brain disorders

such as Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and stroke.

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) is a powerful tool for studying brain function,

and over the past few decades, a large body of research has been devoted to improving the

techniques used in fMRI data acquisition, processing, and analysis.

Sensors Used in fMRI:

The primary sensors used in fMRI are radio frequency (RF) coils, which are used to both

transmit and receive radio frequency signals. The RF coils come in various sizes and

configurations, including surface coils, volume coils, and phased-array coils. Recent research has

focused on developing new coil designs to improve the spatial and temporal resolution of fMRI

images. For example, some researchers have developed high-density coil arrays that can capture

more detailed information about brain activity.

How fMRI Works:

fMRI works by detecting changes in blood flow in the brain, which is tightly coupled to neural

activity. When neurons become active, they consume more oxygen and glucose, which leads to

an increase in blood flow to the active region. The increased blood flow is accompanied by an

increase in the concentration of oxygenated hemoglobin in the blood, which is the signal that

fMRI measures.
 4

Signal Processing Techniques:

The fMRI signal is inherently noisy and contains many sources of variability, such as motion

artifacts, physiological noise, and scanner drift. To extract meaningful information from the

fMRI signal, a variety of signal processing techniques are used. Some of the most commonly

used techniques include:

● Preprocessing: This involves correcting for motion artifacts, removing noise from

physiological sources, and filtering the data to remove high-frequency noise.

● Spatial smoothing: This involves blurring the fMRI data to increase the signal-to-noise

ratio and reduce the effects of small spatial variations in the signal.

● Statistical analysis: This involves using various statistical models to identify regions of

the brain that are significantly activated during a task, and to quantify the strength and

location of these activations.

Recent research in signal processing for fMRI has focused on developing more sophisticated

models for data analysis, as well as developing techniques for improving the spatial and temporal

resolution of the images. For example, some researchers have developed methods for combining

fMRI data with other imaging modalities, such as diffusion MRI and electroencephalography

(EEG), to gain a more comprehensive understanding of brain function.

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) signal processing techniques play a critical role

in both research and clinical applications. These techniques are used to improve the quality of

fMRI data, identify brain activation patterns, and facilitate the interpretation of results. Here are

some of the most important signal processing techniques used in fMRI research and their

relevance to clinical applications:

Preprocessing:

Preprocessing techniques are used to clean and prepare the fMRI data for further analysis.

Preprocessing can include correcting for motion artifacts, removing noise from physiological
 6

sources, and filtering the data to remove high-frequency noise. In clinical applications,

preprocessing is important for improving the accuracy of diagnostic and treatment decisions by

ensuring that the data is reliable and accurate.

Spatial Smoothing:

Spatial smoothing is a technique used to reduce the effects of noise in fMRI data by blurring the

images. The amount of smoothing applied depends on the research question and the desired level

of detail. In clinical applications, spatial smoothing can help to reduce the impact of small spatial

variations in the signal, making it easier to identify relevant brain activations that might be

obscured by noise.

Statistical Analysis:

Statistical analysis techniques are used to identify brain regions that are significantly activated

during a task or in response to a stimulus. These techniques typically involve modeling the fMRI

data and comparing it to a null hypothesis to identify significant deviations from baseline

activity. In clinical applications, statistical analysis can be used to identify the specific brain

regions that are involved in a particular condition, such as a stroke or a seizure disorder.

Machine Learning:

Machine learning techniques are becoming increasingly popular in fMRI research and clinical

applications. These techniques involve using algorithms to analyze fMRI data and identify

patterns that are associated with specific conditions or treatment outcomes. In clinical
 7

applications, machine learning can be used to develop predictive models for diagnosis and

treatment, enabling doctors to make more accurate and personalized treatment decisions.

Signal processing techniques are critical for improving the accuracy and reliability of fMRI data,

enabling researchers and clinicians to make more accurate diagnoses, develop more effective

treatment plans, and monitor patient progress over time.

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) is a valuable tool in the diagnosis and treatment

of various health conditions, particularly those related to the brain. Here are some examples of

how fMRI is used clinically:

Diagnosis:

fMRI is used to diagnose a wide range of neurological and psychiatric conditions, such as

Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, schizophrenia, and

depression. By analyzing the patterns of brain activation in these conditions, doctors can identify

the affected areas of the brain and the extent of the damage or dysfunction. In some cases, fMRI

can be used to diagnose a condition before any symptoms are present, which can be particularly

helpful in cases where early intervention can make a significant difference in patient outcomes.

Treatment:

fMRI is also used to guide the treatment of neurological and psychiatric conditions. For example,

in patients with epilepsy, fMRI can be used to identify the specific regions of the brain

responsible for seizures, which can help doctors plan surgical procedures to remove the affected
 8

tissue. In patients with depression, fMRI can be used to identify the brain circuits involved in

mood regulation, which can help doctors determine the most effective course of treatment, such

as medication or psychotherapy.

Therapy Monitoring:

fMRI can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment over time. By comparing fMRI

scans taken before and after treatment, doctors can determine whether the treatment is having the

desired effect on brain function. This can help doctors adjust treatment plans as needed and

provide a more personalized approach to patient care.

Overall, fMRI is a powerful tool in the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of various health

conditions, particularly those related to the brain. By providing detailed information about brain

function, fMRI can help doctors make more accurate diagnoses, develop more effective

treatment plans, and monitor patient progress over time.

References

Authors Elisa C. Baek, Authors Kaitlyn E. May, Authors Paul S. Scotti, & Authors

AnnaCarolina Garza. (n.d.). A window into your brain: How fmri helps us understand what

is going on inside our heads. Frontiers for Young Minds.

https://kids.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frym.2020.484603

Oaklander, M. 2014. Autism: fMRI Brain Scans Can Predict Autism With 97% Accuracy.

Available online at: https://time.com/3614487/fmri-autism-diagnosis/

The Open University. (2019). How FMRI works. OpenLearn.

https://www.open.edu/openlearn/body-mind/health/health-sciences/how-fmri-works

Whitten, Lori A. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (FMRI): An Invaluable Tool in

Translational Neuroscience. PubMed, Research Triangle Park (NC), RTI Press, 2012,

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538909/

‌LaConte, Stephen, et al. “The Evaluation of Preprocessing Choices in Single-Subject

BOLD FMRI Using NPAIRS Performance Metrics.” NeuroImage, vol. 18, no. 1, Jan.

2003, pp. 10–27, https://doi.org/10.1006/nimg.2002.1300

Gruber, Bernhard, et al. “RF Coils: A Practical Guide for Nonphysicists.” Journal of

Magnetic Resonance Imaging, vol. 48, no. 3, 13 June 2018, pp. 590–604,

https://doi.org/10.1002/jmri.26187