In this article, you will get an overview of what equipment you need to be able to perform an fMRI exam. To perform  an fMRI exam four main components are required:

1. MR scanner with EPI pulse sequence,
2. Stimulus
3. Peripheral fMRI equipment
4. Post-processing and analysis software.

MR scanner with EPI pulse sequence

First, in order to acquire fMRI data, an MR scanner with fMRI specific pulse (Echo Planar Imaging) sequence is required. Most higher filed strength magnets (1.5T -3T) have the EPI sequence built into them.

The most common MR vendors are –

• Siemens Healthineers
• GE Healthcare
• Philips
• Canon

*All NordicNeuroLab products are compatible with all above.

Stimulus

Second, a library of paradigms designed to increase metabolic activity in the area of the brain responsible for a particular sensorimotor process is required. These tasks need to be presented to the patient while inside the MR scanner.

NordicNeuroLab can provide you with the stimulus presentation software nordicAktiva

Peripheral fMRI equipment

Third, and most importantly, MR-compatible hardware is needed to present auditory and visual stimulus to the patient. A response device is necessary to record patient responses, and a synchronization device is required to ensure precise timing between MR image acquisition with the onset of the stimuli.

Visual Stimulus equipment

NordicNeuroLab offers two types of visual stimulus hardware

• VisualSystem HD
• InroomViewingDevice

Turnkey Solution

NordicNeuroLab provides a turnkey solution for clinical fMRI. It is a complete and user-friendly system for simplifying and standardizing implementation of functional MRI in clinical environments.

• nordic fMRI Solution

Post-processing and analysis software

Fourth, once the data is collected, a software is required to perform statistical analysis of fMRI data and overlay it on the high resolution anatomical MR images.

• Research – nordicICE
• Clinical – nordicBrainEx

Additional equipment

Eye-tracking

The combination of fMRI and eye-tracking is a very powerful tool in neuroscience and has led to many advances in neuropsychology, neuropsychiatric, neurophysiology, and basic science (Bonhage et al. 2015; Tylen et al. 2012; Hausler et al. 2016; Kalpouzos et al. 2010; Kim et al. 2020)

The NordicNeuroLab VSHD are the only MR compatible goggles with integrated binocular eye-tracking. The video-based PCCR eye-tracking
technology uses two active glint points and an adjustable camera focus for precise and reliable tracking of each eye.