Neuromagnetic mapping of brain function.
Magnetic source imaging, a technique that combines magnetoencephalography (MEG) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, was used to localize the somatosensory and auditory cortex in seven healthy subjects. Functional neuromagnetic data were obtained with a 37-channel biomagnetometer. Structural MR imaging data were obtained with a 1.5-T superconducting imager. Coordinates used in defining MEG and MR imaging space were reconciled to produce magnetic source images that displayed the putative locations of somatosensory and auditory activity in relation to brain anatomy. Sources of somatosensory activity were typically localized to the postcentral gyrus; sources of auditory activity were localized to the superior temporal plane. Extension of these results to patients with tumors (or other disorders) that distort normal brain anatomy has the potential to make noninvasive magnetic source imaging examinations clinically useful in guiding neurosurgical interventional procedures.
Department of Neurology, Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation, La Jolla, CA 92037.
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Gallen
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Sobel
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Lewine
J A
JA
Sanders
B L
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Hart
L E
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Davis
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Orrison
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001303:Auditory Cortex / Q000502:physiology; D001931:Brain Mapping; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D015225:Magnetoencephalography; D008875:Middle Aged; D013003:Somatosensory Cortex / Q000502:physiology