Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Spinal Cord: Current Status and Future Developments

Semin Ultrasound CT MR. 2017 Apr;38(2):176-186. doi: 10.1053/j.sult.2016.07.007. Epub 2016 Jul 12.

Abstract

Although functional magnetic resonance imaging has become popular for brain imaging, it is still difficult to apply this technique to the spinal cord because of complex issues related to the physiology of the spinal cord and technical challenges related to magnetic resonance imaging hardware, pulse sequences, and image processing techniques. In this article, we examine these key aspects and discuss their present status, unresolved issues, and future directions.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / trends
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / trends
  • Spinal Cord / diagnostic imaging*
  • Spinal Cord Diseases / diagnostic imaging*