System and method for task-less mapping of brain activity

#The field of the invention relates generally to brain mapping systems and, more particularly, to systems and methods for task-less mapping of brain activity using resting state data collected from a brain of a subject.

#Brain mapping includes a set of neuroscience techniques that are predicated on the mapping of biological quantities or properties onto spatial representations of a subject's brain resulting in at least one map. At least some known neuroimaging systems or techniques are used frequently in clinical and research settings for brain mapping such that brain function can be monitored. For example, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) may be used to enable researchers and clinicians to see visual images of the brain, wherein the images may be used to identify brain activity within a plurality of networks of the brain. One approach includes a task based technique wherein the fMRI may be used to detect correlations between brain activation and various tasks that a subject performs during a scan. Such task-based techniques can be useful in clinical applications. For example, the images obtained through fMRI may enable a surgeon to identify portions of the brain that are responsible for various functions and the surgeon may attempt to avoid contact with such portions while performing surgery on the brain.

#However, task-based neuroimaging may not be suitable for all segments of a clinical population. For example, a toddler or a nervous patient may be unable to comprehend and/or perform various tasks. It was recently discovered, via fMRI, that even during the absence of overt tasks, fluctuations in brain activity are correlated across functionally-related cortical regions. Thus, the spatial and temporal evaluations of spontaneous neuronal activity has allowed mapping of these resting-state networks (RSNs) with a task-less technique. For this technique, at least one voxel within the image obtained by the fMRI is selected and a correlation analysis is performed to identify other voxels that correspond with the selected voxel. However, it may be challenging to identify which voxel to select. For example, an individual would require a great deal of expertise and resources to select a relevant voxel. In fact, selecting a voxel and/or processing information to select a voxel can be time consuming.

#The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee.

#FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary system for task-less mapping of brain activity;

#FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary computing device of the system shown in FIG. 1;

#The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee.

#The exemplary systems, apparatus, and methods described herein overcome at least some known disadvantages associated with at least some known brain mapping techniques, such as task-based and/or task-less systems. More specifically, the embodiments described herein include a computing device for use in a system for mapping brain activity of a subject that generally comprises a processor. The processor is programmed to select a plurality of measurements of brain activity that is representative of at least one parameter of a brain of the subject during a resting state. Moreover, the processor is programmed to compare at least one data point from each of the measurements with a corresponding data point from a previously acquired data set from at least one other subject. The processor is also programmed to produce at least one map for each of the measurements based on the comparison of the resting state data point and the corresponding previously acquired data point. The processor may also be programmed to categorize the brain activity in a plurality of networks in the brain based on the map. By using previously acquired data points to categorize the brain activity in a plurality of networks in the brain of the subject, task-based techniques can be avoided. Moreover, by having the processor select the plurality of measurements, a user may no longer need to spend a considerable amount of time determining which measurements, such as voxels, to select.

#FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system 100 for mapping brain activity of a subject (not shown). It should be noted that the term “brain activity” as used herein includes the various activities within a brain of the subject that correspond to various tasks performed by the subject. For example, the brain transmits and receives signals in the form of hormones, nerve impulses, and chemical messengers that enable the subject to move, eat, sleep, and think. In the exemplary embodiment, system 100 is used to identify locations within a plurality of networks within the brain that are responsible for such brain activities.