Multidimensional neuroimaging approach for studying brain network

Abstract

Here we propose multidimensional non-invasive imaging to understand the functional anatomy of neural circuits of the human brain. The multidimensional network imaging technique currently employs anatomical, functional and evoked connectivity imaging in various combinations. The anatomical and functional connectivity imaging can be achieved by the analysis of diffusion-weighted and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), respectively. New analysis techniques such as probabilistic diffusion tractography and tract-based statistics have refined the anatomical connectivity imaging, especially in combination with fMRI for setting up regions-of-interest. For the evoked connectivity imaging, brain stimulation technique such as transcranical magnetic stimulation (TMS) is performed during acquisition of fMRI and electrophysiology monitoring. Despite technical challenges, it is important to put information from these different modalities for network imaging together for fair understanding of human brain functions.