Brain structure and connectivity mapping for deep brain stimulation using ultrahigh field (7 T) MRI

This chapter reviews recent advances in neuroimaging methods for the visualization of brain structures, as well as the connectivity patterns that play key roles for deep brain stimulation therapy. The advantages of utilizing ultrahigh field 7 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for visualizing anatomical structures will likely propel our clinical and scientific abilities to investigate, develop, and enhance therapies for patients with neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, dystonia, and Tourette syndrome. Treatment approaches are becoming more patient-specific, thus more therapies will rely on highly accurate treatment delivery capabilities to the target area. As such, 7 T (and stronger fields) MRI systems will provide such abilities by producing enhanced input data with superior resolution and image contrast. Further development of better imaging acquisition strategies and postprocessing methods are needed, as the data being generated will open new possibilities for exploring brain function in both healthy and disease conditions at resolution levels never before observed.