Simultaneous and synchronized electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during sleep in normal and brain injured populations

一个完整的MR兼容的脑电系统将使西方大学的神经科学研究人员能够将脑电(EEG)的卓越时间分辨率与功能磁共振成像(FMRI)的高空间分辨率结合在一起。该系统将使我们能够：1)扩展我们资助的研究项目，寻求更好地诊断成人和新生儿严重脑损伤后的残余认知功能；2)通过允许同时获取EEG和fMRI数据，增强我们资助的关于节拍感知、注意力转换和抽象概念的认知研究；3)开启旨在揭示睡眠对学习和记忆作用的神经机制的新研究机会。对睡眠功能重要性的研究对于了解睡眠不足、睡眠中断和睡眠障碍的影响至关重要，在北美，睡眠障碍已经达到流行的程度。每五个加拿大人中就有一个患有失眠，对社会的生产力、安全、身心健康造成严重破坏。在脑损伤患者和新生儿中，使用联合EEG-fMRI对睡眠的调查将使我们能够评估这些行为反应能力有限的人的残余信息处理水平，并确定意识和潜在沟通的标志。所要求的设备将允许的研究有可能对神经科学产生重大影响，因为它使我们能够解决原本会受到间接测量手段限制的研究问题。EEG-fMRI是一种新颖的、相对较新的非侵入性技术组合，加拿大(蒙特利尔)的另外两个中心能够在睡眠期间获取这些数据。因此，这种设备将使我们能够进行尖端研究，这无疑将引起国内和国际的关注。

A complete MR-compatible EEG system will enable neuroscience researchers at Western University to combine the superior temporal resolution of electroencephalography (EEG) with the high spatial resolution of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). This system will allow us to: 1) extend our funded research programs that seek to better diagnose residual cognitive function after severe brain injury in both adults and neonates 2) augment our funded cognitive studies of beat perception, attention switching and abstract concepts by allowing the simultaneous acquisition of EEG and fMRI data 3) open up new research opportunities aimed at uncovering the neural mechanisms of the role of sleep for learning and memory. The study of the functional significance of sleep is crucial in order to understand the impact of sleep loss, sleep disruption and of sleep disorders, which in North America, has reached epidemic proportions. One in five Canadians suffers from sleep loss, wreaking havoc on society's productivity, safety, physical and mental health. In brain injured patients and neonates, investigation of sleep using combined EEG-fMRI will allow us to assess the level of residual information processing in these individuals who have limited ability to respond behaviourally, and identify markers of consciousness and potential communication. The research that the requested equipment will allow has the potential to have a high impact in the neurosciences by enabling us to tackle research questions that would otherwise be limited by indirect means of measurement. EEG-fMRI is a novel and relatively new combination of non-invasive techniques with only two other centres in Canada (Montreal), being able to acquire these data during sleep. Thus, this equipment will enable us to conduct cutting-edge research that will undoubtedly garner National and International attention.