Simulated MR magnetic field induces steady‐state changes in brain dynamics: Implications for interpretation of functional MR studies

We examined whether a magnetic field comparable to one of the fields produced during MRI induced steady‐state changes in brain electrical activity while the field was applied (called a presence effect to distinguish it from evoked potentials). The electroencephalogram was measured from standard scalp locations in the presence and absence of 100‐200 μT, 60 Hz, and the effect of the field was evaluated by nonlinear (recurrence analysis) and linear techniques; individual subjects served as their own controls. Using recurrence analysis, changes in brain activity lasting 1 sec (the longest interval considered) were found in 21 of 22 subjects (P < 0.05 for each subject). The presence effect was not detected using linear analysis and was reversible, as indicated by a return of brain activity to baseline levels in all subjects within 2 sec of field offset. The possible role of artifacts or systematic errors was ruled out by studies using electrical phantoms and by analyses of electroencephalograms recorded during sham exposure. It is reasonable to expect that actual scanner magnetic fields also produce nonlinear steady‐state perturbations of brain dynamical activity. The effect may influence the picture of brain connectivity inferred in some functional MR studies. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.