Neuroimaging refers to the utilization of quantitative methods for the study of the structure and function of the central nervous system. It was developed as a non-invasive method to scientifically investigate the healthy human brain. It is widely being used in quantitative investigations for psychiatric illnesses and brain disorders. Various techniques that are used in neuroimaging include computed axial tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, diffuse optical imaging, positron emission tomography, cranial ultrasound. The human brain is a massive, interconnected and complex system. Advanced neuroimaging techniques such as diffusion tensor imaging and functional magnetic resonance imaging allow us to investigate the underlying principles of brain structural and functional architectures. It also enables us to study the pathological changes in a variety of brain disorders. Multi-modal neuroimaging techniques could provide a more thorough understanding of the pathomechanism of brain disorders, which facilitates early diagnosis and helps in assessing prognosis and therapeutic effect. This book elucidates the concepts and innovative models around prospective developments with respect to the characterization of brain disorders. The topics covered herein offer the readers new insights in the field of neuroimaging.

In the last twenty years, many attempts have been made to provide neurobiological models of autism. Functional, structural and connectivity analyses have highlighted reduced responses in key social areas, such as amygdala, medial prefrontal cortex, cingulate cortex, and superior temporal sulcus. However, these studies present discrepant results and some of them have been questioned for methodological limitations. The aim of this research topic is to present advanced neuroimaging methods able to capture the complexity of the neural deficits displayed in autism. This special issue presents new studies using structural and functional MRI, as well as magnetoencephalography, and novel protocols to analyze data (Analysis of Cluster Variability, Noise Reduction Strategies, Source-based Morphometry, Functional Connectivity Density, Restriction Spectrum Imaging and the others). We believe it is time to integrate data provided by different techniques and methodologies in order to have a better understanding of autism.

The brain is the most complex computational device we know, consisting of highly interacting and redundant networks of areas, supporting specific brain functions. The rules by which these areas organize themselves to perform specific computations have only now started to be uncovered. Advances in non-invasive neuroimaging technologies have revolutionized our understanding of the functional anatomy of cortical circuits in health and disease states, which is the focus of this book. The first section of this book focuses on methodological issues, such as combining functional MRI technology with other brain imaging modalities. The second section examines the application of brain neuroimaging to understand cognitive, visual, auditory, motor and decision-making networks, as well as neurological diseases. The use of non-invasive neuroimaging technologies will continue to stimulate an exponential growth in understanding basic brain processes, largely as a result of sustained advances in neuroimaging methods and applications.

Neuroimaging uses quantitative (computational) techniques to study the form and function of the central nervous system in a non-invasive manner. It is used extensively in studies concerning brain disorders and psychiatric diseases. Clinical neuroimaging is used for identifying tumors, strokes, brain injuries, and neurodegenerative diseases. Conventional neuroimaging techniques include computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). There are two major categories of neuroimaging, namely, structural imaging that focuses on quantifying brain structure and functional imaging, which is used to study the functions of CNS. Medical practitioners also make use of advanced neuroimaging techniques to obtain functional information with respect to the pathophysiology of different CNS disorders. Advanced neuroimaging techniques include diffuse optical imaging (DOT), event-related optical signal (EROS), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), magnetoencephalography (MEG), positron emission tomography (PET), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), etc. This book discusses the theoretical and clinical aspects of neuroimaging. It will also provide interesting topics for research in neuroimaging, which interested readers can take up. This book is a complete source of knowledge on the present status of this important field.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains a significant source of death and permanent disability, contributing to nearly one-third of all injury related deaths in the United States and exacting a profound personal and economic toll. Despite the increased resources that have recently been brought to bear to improve our understanding of TBI, the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches has been disappointingly slow. Translational Research in Traumatic Brain Injury attempts to integrate expertise from across specialties to address knowledge gaps in the field of TBI. Its chapters cover a wide scope of TBI research in five broad areas: Epidemiology Pathophysiology Diagnosis Current treatment strategies and sequelae Future therapies Specific topics discussed include the societal impact of TBI in both the civilian and military populations, neurobiology and molecular mechanisms of axonal and neuronal injury, biomarkers of traumatic brain injury and their relationship to pathology, neuroplasticity after TBI, neuroprotective and neurorestorative therapy, advanced neuroimaging of mild TBI, neurocognitive and psychiatric symptoms following mild TBI, sports-related TBI, epilepsy and PTSD following TBI, and more. The book integrates the perspectives of experts across disciplines to assist in the translation of new ideas to clinical practice and ultimately to improve the care of the brain injured patient.

Emerging imaging modalities continuously increase the diagnostic sensitivity and accuracy of neuroimaging, and have transformed diagnostic radiology into a powerful research and clinical tool. Various novel neuroimaging modalities have become of paramount importance, not only in establishing diagnosis but also in guiding surgical intervention, and in evaluating the treatment effect. Advanced MR based techniques such as Fractional Anisotropy, Diffusion Tensor Imaging, Proton Spectroscopy, and task-generated as well as resting-state functional MRI have tremendously increased the power of the modern neuroscientist’s armamentarium. The employment of advanced neuroimaging techniques have been expanded in the scientific fields of neuropsychology, consumer’s psychology, and forensic medicine. Our current textbook presents exactly a collection of such innovative work, and explores new frontiers, and future applications of neuroimaging