Brainstem Functional Mapping During Motor Tasks with Ultra-High Field MRI

Motivation: Parkinson's disease (PD) affects the brainstem, leading to motor symptoms that impact patients' quality of life. Understanding brainstem activation in motor tasks could provide insights into early markers of PD. Goal(s): We aim to identify specific brainstem functional activations during distinct motor tasks using functional resonance imaging (fMRI). Approach: Using a general linear model, we analysed task fMRI data from 28 healthy subjects performing foot, tongue, and wrist movements. Results: Our findings revealed task-specific activation patterns in brainstem regions, highlighting differential involvement across different motor functions. This work enhances our understanding of brainstem activity in motor control, offering insights relevant to neurodegenerative conditions. Impact: Understanding brainstem motor function may reveal early markers of Parkinson's disease, bridging the gap between molecular pathology and detectable brain functional changes. This could advance early diagnosis and deepen insights into PD-related neurodegeneration in motor pathways.