MEMRI: A Powerful New Imaging Method to Study Tinnitus

This new imaging technique will further research endeavors of auditory scientists and all disciplines interested in studying tinnitus.

Below is an excerpt of the abstract as it appears on PubMed:

Hear Res. 2014 Feb 26. pii: S0378-5955(14)00022-7. doi: 10.1016/j.heares.2014.02.003. [Epub ahead of print]
Manganese enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MEMRI): A powerful new imaging method to study tinnitus.
Cacace AT1, Brozoski T2, Berkowitz B3, Bauer C2, Odintsov B4, Bergkvist M5, Castracane J5, Zhang J6, Holt AG7.
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Abstract
Manganese enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MEMRI) is a method used primarily in basic science experiments to advance the understanding of information processing in central nervous system pathways. With this mechanistic approach, manganese (Mn2+) acts as a calcium surrogate, whereby voltage-gated calcium channels allow for activity driven entry of Mn2+ into neurons. The detection and quantification of neuronal activity via Mn2+ accumulation is facilitated by "hemodynamic-independent contrast" using high resolution MRI scans. This review emphasizes initial efforts to-date in the development and application of MEMRI for evaluating tinnitus (the perception of sound in the absence of overt acoustic stimulation). Perspectives from leaders in the field highlight MEMRI related studies by comparing and contrasting this technique when tinnitus is induced by high-level noise exposure and salicylate administration. Together, these studies underscore the considerable potential of MEMRI for advancing the field of auditory neuroscience in general and tinnitus research in particular.

Reference: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24583078​