fMRI data acquisition system

A process for acquiring task-activated fMRI patient data using an MRI scanner and an fMRI data acquisition module separate from the MRI scanner, comprising the steps of:

• a) validating patient positioning and equipment alignment with said module;
• b) training the patient on an emulated task with said module,
• c) scanning an anatomical MR image of the patient's brain with said MRI scanner;
• d) presenting a series of stimuli to the patient using said module;
• e) checking for an normal level of patient responses to said stimuli;
• and
• f) scanning for functional MR images in synchronization with the presentation of said stimuli with said MRI scanner.

An fMRI data acquisition module for acquiring task-activated fMRI patient data using an MRI scanner, comprising:

• a) an fMRI control station including a data acquisition software program adapted for controlling said station for:
• i) prompting the operator to input patient identification data with said module,
• ii) prompting the operator to select a stimulation paradigm,
• iii) prompting the operator to prepare the patient and equipment,
• iv) presenting a series of stimuli to the patient in coordination with the performance of MRI scanning by said MRI scanner,
• v) acquiring scanned image data from said MRI scanner, and
• vi) verifying the integrity of the image data;
• b) a presentation device connected to said control station for presenting sequences of stimuli to patients while they are in an MRI scanner;
• and
• c) a patient response device connected to said control station.