Research in Vestibular Science

Review

Functional Neuroimaging in Neuro-Otology: Jae Jin Song; Res Vestib Sci. 2016;15(1):5-10.

Abstract PDF: Neuro-otologic symptoms such as dizziness, hearing loss, or tinnitus give rise to peripheral change-induced neuroplasticity or central pathology-induced structural or functional changes. In this regard, functional neuroimaging modalities such as positron emission tomography (PET), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), magnetoencephalography (MEG), quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG), or functional near infrared spectroscopy have provided researchers with possibility to observe neuro-otologic disease-induced central functional changes. Among these methods, PET and fMRI are advantageous over qEEG or MEG with regard to spatial resolution, while qEEG and MEG are advantageous over PET or fMRI with regard to temporal resolution. Also, fMRI or MEG is not suitable for patients with implanted devices, whereas PET is not ideal for repetitive measures due to radiation hazard. In other words, as these modalities are complementary to one another, researchers should choose optimum imaging modality on a case by case basis. Hereinafter, representative functional neuroimaging modalities and their application to neuro-otologic research will be summarized.

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