Colouring rehabilitation with functional neuroimaging

Abstract

Neuroimaging is becoming an increasingly important means of detecting changes in biochemical, microstructural and functional patterns occurring during rehabilitation. In magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), "advanced techniques", such as functional MRI, relaxometry, diffusion tensor imaging and spectroscopy, are making it possible to investigate these changes in vivo, together with brain function. This review highlights how advances in the field of MRI can shed light on the relationship between cerebral reorganisation after focal damage and functional recovery, providing insights that might be translated into clinical benefits for patients.