Research Summary
My research is focused on developing and validating novel approaches to functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) and using these methods to improve our understanding of brain function. This work includes approaches for quantitative neuroimaging and methods for assessing brain function via connectivity mapping. These developments are applied in the neurosurgical environment to localizing epileptogenic tissue and mapping function prior to surgical intervention. These studies provide a framework for validating the fMRI techniques through comparisons with cortical stimulation, behavioral analyses, Wada testing, and patient outcomes. They also improve our understanding of the link between fMRI signal changes and neuronal activity, through comparisons of fMRI in vivo with EEG/ERP recordings obtained in patients with depth electrodes and/or subdural grids. We are also interested in better understanding basic language and memory processing in humans and factors that influence the networks revealed by neuroimaging.

Specialized Terms: Development of MRI techniques to allow faster scanning and/or to provide functional information; Quantitative information and high quality pictures of anatomy; Application of new methods to answer fundamental questions in basic science and medicine with emphasis on applications in neuroscience.

Extensive Research Description
Dr. Todd Constable's research primarily focuses on functional magnetic resonance (MR) and understanding cognitive processes that are related to language and memory and how these processes may be altered in different disease states or with different medications. An important aspect of some of the imaging techniques he is developing is the ability to separate indirect physiologic changes associated with particular diseases or medications from those that directly impact neuronal processes.