Tech for Your Health
This brain imaging technology is an alternative to fMRIs.
Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a noninvasive brain imaging technology that uses near-infrared light to measure brain activity in the prefrontal cortex. This increasingly popular method offers a portable alternative to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) alongside other benefits.
Innovative fNIRS systems such as the OBELAB NIRSIT are being utilized in psychiatric and neurological care to track and assess changes in brain activity during cognitive tasks and treatment. This portable, high-resolution device features 48 channels and can check for signs of cognitive impairment or improvement related to a neurological disorder or injury, certain psychological conditions such as depression or PTSD, and general well-being. fNIRS is often used in combination with other assessment tools.
How Does It Work?
NIRSIT is a safe and easy-to-use system. Patients simply wear the imaging device around their head, which monitors their brain activity as they sit comfortably or perform certain activities. Auditory or visual stimuli may be introduced to see how the brain responds. A provider will be present and receive this real-time information, helping inform a personalized treatment plan.
The Benefits of fNIRS
By monitoring brain activity in real time, fNIRS can provide valuable insight on a patient’s cognitive activity, and it offers several advantages compared to an fMRI. While an fMRI is loud and requires patients to remain completely still, an fNIRS operates silently, and patients can talk and move naturally during the imaging process. It is also less expensive, making it cost-effective to conduct repeated measurements.
An Expert Weighs In
Meet the Author
Rachel Studebaker, BA, English, Summa Cum Laude
Rachel Studebaker is a graduate of Lee University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a minor in advertising. While attending Lee, Rachel served as editor-in-chief and creative director for the school’s biannual publication Vindagua and was a member of Sigma Tau Delta English Honors Society. As managing editor for CMC Media & Marketing Group, she is responsible for the development and completion of 16 publications involving health, wellness, business, sports, and lifestyle articles published in print and online for HealthScope®, CityScope®, and Choose Chattanooga® magazines – premier publications serving S.E. Tennessee and North Georgia. Additionally, Rachel has led digital marketing initiatives for CMC Media & Marketing Group as well as the development of content for the introduction of Choose Huntsville™, Huntsville Resource & Relocation Guide™ for Huntsville, Alabama.
