Neuroimaging
The primary focus of the laboratory is the improvement and application of neuroimaging methods to better understand human brain function. Work in the lab draws from many disciplines such as biomedical engineering, physics, biophysics, statistics, electrical engineering, computer science, neuroscience, physiology, biology, and anatomy.
Our current research utilizes functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and resting state perfusion to investigate blood flow related changes in the brain due to activation, chemical interventions, or disease. We are also investigating the physiologic changes related to brain activation and how to optimize their detection with MRI. As a result, some interesting work is underway investigating the effect of caffeine (a cerebral vasoconstrictor) on the brain, which may have the potential to be an fMRI contrast booster.
In addition to substantial work with MRI, our laboratory is also exploring computed tomography (CT) perfusion for evaluating strokes in emergency room situations, transcranial Doppler (TCD) for investigating blood flow in a real-time manner, and the use of electroencephalograms (EEGs) using optical electrodes during fMRI experiments to gather high temporal resolution data.
Northwestern Cognitive Brain Mapping Group
Brain mapping study in a subject who has had a recent stroke affecting the language and motor centers in the left hemisphere.
Todd Parrish, PhD, director of the Northwestern University Neuroimaging Research Laboratory is a founding member of the Northwestern Cognitive Brain Mapping Group (CBMG) – a team dedicated to investigative brain research. Dr. Parrish’s role in the CBMG is to employ state-of-the-art technology, an understanding of MRI physics, and a strong collaboration with other departments to tackle the technical, philosophical and practical problems of brain mapping.