Simultaneous EEG/EMG/fMRI: A powerful hybrid-imaging window on brain activation patterns during and following time-varying magnetic stimuli

Abstract

Bioelectromagnetics is a rapidly expanding research domain investing the interaction between electromagnetic stimuli and biological systems. Hybrid functional imaging is a growing domain with promising developments, opening new multidimensional windows on brain processing. Our group started to use functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) in counter-balanced blinded studies to investigate the effects of magnetic field exposure on brain activation in specific tasks. Results showed modulations of task-induced brain activation associated with exposure, suggesting increased haptic sensitivity. We are now proceeding to the next step by integrating electroencephalography, electromyography and fMRI to study exposure levels generating magnetophosphenes in healthy volunteers.