Applications of functional magnetic resonance imaging for analysis of oral functions

Publication date: May 2012 Source:Journal of Oral Biosciences, Volume 54, Issue 2 Author(s): Yoshinori Sahara , Takuya Kobayashi , Haruka Toya , Tetsuya Suzuki Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has considerably advanced the understanding of peripheral and central neural mechanisms underlying orofacial movements (e.g., chewing, swallowing, digestion, and speech). The principle advantages of fMRI lie in its noninvasive nature, relatively high spatiotemporal resolution, and ability to identify the entire network of brain areas involved in particular tasks. However, there remain substantial and valid criticisms of fMRI based on its spatial and temporal limits. Although further improvements in the existing technology will enhance the scientific value of fMRI, the use of fMRI is in the early stages of translation from the research laboratory to clinical practice. In order to make clinically meaningful contributions, challenging questions must be answered regarding therapeutic applications of fMRI to the dental and craniofacial field. Highlights ► Non-invasive nature of fMRI accelerates revealing brain activation patterns. ► There remains substantial criticisms of fMRI. ► We review advances in studies of oral function through fMRI. ► Applications of fMRI in translational dental researches and clinical practices are considered.
Source: Journal of Oral Biosciences - Category: Biomedical Science Source Type: research