Dear Colleagues,
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a well-established and powerful research tool used widely in neuroscience, yet relatively few fMRI studies have focused on the brainstem and spinal cord. Despite this, fMRI methods adapted for the brainstem and spinal cord have been in use for over 25 years and have provided new information about motor, sensory, and pain processing, as well as the effects of injury and disease. The key challenges encountered when applying fMRI in these regions include the small anatomical features, physiological motion, and poor magnetic field homogeneity near the air/tissue and bone/tissue interfaces. Additional challenges also arise during data analysis because specialized methods are needed for these regions. In spite of the challenges, more than 100 fMRI studies involving the spinal cord and brainstem have been published. These have revealed valuable information, including data on the sensitivity and reliability of results. fMRI methods continue to be developed and improved, and multiple approaches are being used. This special issue will focus on research advances in the brainstem and spinal cord that have resulted from the use of fMRI, thus demonstrating the capabilities of current methods.
Prof. Patrick W. Stroman
Guest Editor
Manuscripts should be submitted via our online editorial system at https://imr.propub.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to start your submission. Manuscripts can be submitted now or up until the deadline. All papers will go through peer-review process. Accepted papers will be published in the journal (as soon as accepted) and meanwhile listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, reviews as well as short communications are preferred. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office to announce on this website.
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