Uncovering brain spatiotemporal information via simultaneous EEG-fMRI fusion: a methodological review

To further understand the neural basis of brain functions, more knowledge is required about the spatiotemporal aspects of information processing by utilizing multimodal brain imaging beyond what we can learn from a single modality. Scalp electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) are the two noninvasive neuroimaging techniques that are commonly used in human neuroscience. In view of their respective strengths and weaknesses being complementary in temporal and spatial aspects, simultaneous EEG-fMRI fusion provides a new means of uncovering the important spatiotemporal information of brain function. This review will begin with the basic measurement principles of EEG and fMRI and the motivation of simultaneous EEG-fMRI fusion. Next, the state of the art in fuzing the simultaneous EEG-fMRI within the context of spatial and temporal approaches will be considered. Finally, cutting-edge simultaneous EEG-fMRI and application trends that hint at future developments are then presented. It is suggested that simultaneous EEG-fMRI is a promising noninvasive tool that can yield insights into the spatiotemporal information of brain function and dysfunction.