Brain mapping in sedated infants and young children with passive-functional magnetic resonance imaging

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in pediatric patients presents a unique set of problems due to the need for patient compliance, the frequ ent need for sedation and an early developmental status. A new method for u sing fMRI in sedated infants and young children is presented using passive stimuli focused on visual, sensorimotor and language functions. All of thes e stimuli are presented such that no patient interaction is required. Eight sedated children undergoing diagnostic MRI scans of the brain participated in these passive fMRI procedures. Cortical regions were identified using s tandard techniques applied to the blood-oxygen-level-dependent signal which is the basis for fMRI, The results support the feasibility of brain mappin g in sedated children with passive fMRI techniques.