Brain Imaging is a collective term for various modern techniques (CT, MRI, PET, SPECT, MEG / EEG, NIRS) to visualize anatomy, structure and function of the human brain. In patientcare Brain Imaging plays an important role, of course in radiology, and, among others, in neurosurgery, neurology, and radiotherapy. Brain imaging is of great importance in research into diseases like Alzheimer's, white matter disease, Parkinson's and epilepsy. Technologically, Brain Imaging is a rapidly evolving field that allows to display more physiological parameters. In addition, new developments in the field of computing (GRID technology) make it possible to work with hundreds of computers simultaneously on a problem, by which new data analysis techniques become available that were unthinkable before. This research is embedded within the research institute ICEN.
General Contact: Dr. J.C. de Munck
(secretary FMT +31 (0)20 4444118)
Purpose: To develop methods by which network properties, which can be derived from MagnetoEncefaloGrafische (MEG) measurements can be defined
Description:
MEG is a technique to measure the magnetic field from activity of the cortex can be measured. By MEG approximately 1000 measurements per second are made, therefore MEG lends itself perfectly for measuring rhythmic brain activity.
The cortex consists of many subsystems, each with a specialized function, but in conjunction. This network is plastic, ie both the elements and their interconnection can be continuously adjusted in a split second to adapt to the tasks of the system.
We develop descriptions of the connection and network properties of the cerebral cortex.
The developed methods are used to study the changes in brain diseases in which cognitive changes occur. Currently we have developed methods used in research into Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, in patients with brain tumors and in patients successfully treated for leukemia.
This research is conducted in collaboration with the Department of Clinical Neurophysiology (Professor Tribe) and the Faculty of Kinesiology (Dr Daffertshofer).
Researchers: Dr. B.W. van Dijk, Dr. K.S. Cover, Dr. J.C. de Munck
Links:
Poster_MEGAlzheimer.pdf