Functional magnetic resonance imaging: Factors modulating the cortical activation pattern of the motor system

fMRI has already proved useful for addressing specific problems in the routine work-up of patients with intracerebral tumors. Knowledge of the physiologic factors that affect the cortical activation pattern is crucial. The need to control force, rate of movement and paradigm complexity is evident, especially when dealing with patients with different levels of cooperation and diverse degrees of functional impairment. With knowledge of the physiologic effects of diverse motor tasks, the physician can tailor a paradigm to the specific problem. Currently, the data suggest that to identify the central sulcus, dynamic paradigm with a high movement rate should be chosen. For evaluating motor effects in the parietal lobes, a task with greater complexity should be chosen.