https://doi.org/10.1140/epjst/e2013-02041-8
Review
Dynamics of the brain: Mathematical models and non-invasive experimental studies
1 Ryerson University, Department of Physics, 350 Victoria Street, Toronto, Ontario M5B 2K3, Canada
2 Optoelectronics and Measurement Techniques Laboratory, Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Oulu, PO Box 4500, Oulu 90014, Finland
3 Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Oulu University Hospital, Finland
4 Research-Educational Institute of Optics and Biophotonics, Saratov State University, Saratov 410012, Russia
5 Institute of Precise Mechanics and Control of Russian Academy of Sciences, Saratov 410028, Russia
a e-mail: toronov@ryerson.ca
Received: 16 July 2013
Revised: 13 August 2013
Published online: 28 October 2013
Dynamics is an essential aspect of the brain function. In this article we review theoretical models of neural and haemodynamic processes in the human brain and experimental non-invasive techniques developed to study brain functions and to measure dynamic characteristics, such as neurodynamics, neurovascular coupling, haemodynamic changes due to brain activity and autoregulation, and cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen. We focus on emerging theoretical biophysical models and experimental functional neuroimaging results, obtained mostly by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). We also included our current results on the effects of blood pressure variations on cerebral haemodynamics and simultaneous measurements of fast processes in the brain by near-infrared spectroscopy and a very novel functional MRI technique called magnetic resonance encephalography. Based on a rapid progress in theoretical and experimental techniques and due to the growing computational capacities and combined use of rapidly improving and emerging neuroimaging techniques we anticipate during next decade great achievements in the overall knowledge of the human brain.
© EDP Sciences, Springer-Verlag, 2013
