Neuroimaging Research
The Neuropsychology program has been involved in neuroimaging research since the Health Sciences Center first obtained a PET scanner and cyclotron in 1996. As the Center for Advanced Imaging at WVU grew and added a GE 3T magnetic resonance machine, our program grew and added faculty with neuroimaging experience. Currently we use a variety of imaging techniques to study brain function and structure. We incorporate measure of brain function obtained outside the scanners, with information obtained from scanning. We use O15 water PET and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to study how the brain functions in both normal individuals and a variety of patient conditions. For example, we use fMRI to map out different brain functions (e.g. motor, sensory and language) prior to receiving neurosurgery. This information is used by the surgeon to guide surgical approach and resection to maximize outcome while minimizing changes in function. We also use structural imaging techniques, such as measuring brain grey matter volume to study normal and abnormal aging. Newer techniques, such as Diffusion Tensor Imaging, are used to measure the health of the white matter in the brain. These structural techniques are used both to study the normal brain and changes in the brain that occur in disease. We study all ranges of age, from children and adolescents to older adults. For example, Dr. Marissa Carey is studying the effects of cystic fibrosis on brain structure and function, using a combination of cognitive measures and structural brain measures.