Simultaneous Real-Time FMRI and EEG Neurofeedback for Self-Regulation of Human Brain Activity

Vadim Zotev¹, Raquel Phillips¹, Han Yuan¹, Wayne Drevets¹, Jerzy Bodurka¹

We have employed novel integration of real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (rtfMRI) and encephalography (EEG) to provide simultaneous rtfMRI-EEG multimodal neurofeedback for regulation of both hemodynamic and electrophysiological activity of the human brain. We demonstrated, for the first time, that healthy participants can learn to simultaneously regulate their frontal high-beta EEG asymmetry and left amygdala fMRI activation using retrieval of positive autobiographical memories along with rtfMRI-EEG neurofeedback. This proof-of-concept study opens up possibilities for development of novel cognitive neuroscience research paradigms and enhanced cognitive therapeutic approaches for major neuropsychiatric disorders.