7T fMRI connectivity analysis reveals decreased cerebellar motor function in MS patients

Motivation: The cerebellum is a prevalent lesion site in Multiple Sclerosis but due to lack of acquisition methods its function remains understudied in MS. Goal(s): Our goal was to compare the cerebellar motor (network) function of Multiple Sclerosis patients to Healthy Controls using 7T fMRI. Approach: We employed a B1-shimmed 7T fMRI protocol and submillimetre anatomical acquisitions. This enabled us to identify cerebellar function during a motor task and identify subject specific regions of interest to analyse cerebellar motor network connectivity. Results: Our methods revealed decreased connectivity as well as lower motor task activation in Multiple Sclerosis patients compared to Healthy Controls. Impact: Our results demonstrate the use of 7T-fMRI to study cerebellar function in patients with Multiple Sclerosis. The differences found in motor and resting state activation may contribute to the overall understanding of the role of cerebellar function in Multiple Sclerosis.