An Introduction to Functional MRI and Its Clinical Research Applications
Leslie Baxter, Human Brain Imaging Lab
Barrow Neurological Institute
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
2-3 p.m.
Brickyard (BYENG) 420 [map]
Abstract
Noninvasive brain mapping of functional networks can be achieved through functional MRI. This talk is aimed to provide a basic overview of the fMRI technique, from the perspective of neuropsychology, which focuses on the brain-behavior relationship and how this relationship is altered in neurological disorders. Clinical and research applications of fMRI will be compared and contrasted. White matter assessment, using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) which provides information regarding the integrity of neural connections, and how this is integrated with fMRI, will also be discussed.
Bio
Leslie Baxter is a clinical neuropsychologist and program manager of the Human Brain Imaging Lab at the Barrow Neurological Institute. Baxter’s interests focus on the brain-behavior relationship in a number of neurological conditions. She explores neuroimaging correlates of change in aging and Alzheimer’s disease, depression and other disorders. She is the principal investigator at BNI for the Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium. As a clinician, she performs presurgical mapping for patients with brain tumors, aneurysms and other neurosurgical patients, not only at Barrow, but also for Mayo Clinic Arizona.
