fMRI Compatible Camera System

The possibilities for visual monitoring of subjects during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) are extremely limited. Most camera systems cannot be used in the MR environment because of integrated metal components. On the other hand, when using paradigms with motor tasks, for example, or when examining ventilated patients or patients with musculoskeletal disorders (e.g. Parkinson's, Tourette's), it is particularly important or of special interest to record the subjects' movements so that they can be included in the analysis. In this way, voluntary movements or movements that are not subject to voluntary control (e.g. motor tics in Tourette's disorder) can be correlated with brain activations. Alternatively, phases of high motor activity can be excluded from the analysis.
In the fMRI group, an MR-compatible camera system was developed and evaluated (Neuner et al., 2007), which enables the simultaneous recording of the face and the body of the test person. Two separate cameras are used for this purpose. The MR image quality is not impaired, as was shown in a study with patients with Tourette's disorder. Here, an exact synchronisation with the motor paradigm was achieved. In the article, electronic and mechanical details are described so that a replication of the system can easily be done.